Writing of Prescriptions

Prescriptions and Controlled Substances

Adopted: Tue, 2011-02-22

Back to Position Statements

Reviewed 2014-11-13 - no changes

It is the position of the North Carolina Board of Podiatry Examiners that prescriptions should be written in ink or indelible pencil or typewritten or electronically printed and should be signed by the practitioner at the time of issuance. Quantities should be indicated in both numbers AND words, e.g., 30 (thirty). Such prescriptions must not be written on pre-signed prescription blanks.

Each prescription for a DEA controlled substance (2, 2N, 3, 3N, 4, and 5) should be written on a separate prescription blank. Multiple medications may appear on a single prescription blank only when none are DEA-controlled.

No prescriptions should be issued for a patient in the absence of a documented podiatrist-patient relationship.

No prescription should be issued by practitioner for his or her personal use. (See Position Statement entitled "Self-treatment and Treatment of Family Members and Others with Whom Significant Emotional Relationships Exist")

The practice of pre-signing prescriptions is unacceptable to the Board.

It is the responsibility of those who prescribe controlled substances to comply fully with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Links to these laws and regulations may be found on the NC Board of Podiatry Examiners's Web site, www.ncbpe.org.