Which statement about narcotic prescriptions is true?

• A. They may be dispensed without patient name
• B. They require no prescriber signature
• C. They require the prescriber's signature and patient name
• D. They can be refilled as needed

Answer: (C)

For narcotic prescriptions, validity and safety hinge on proper authorization and patient identification. The patient’s name ties the medication to the correct person, helping prevent errors or misuse. The prescriber’s signature confirms that a licensed professional issued the prescription and authorized the dispensing, creating an accountable, verifiable record. Because of these controls, narcotic prescriptions are not dispensed without the patient’s name, nor issued without the prescriber’s signature, and they generally cannot be refilled freely; a new prescription is typically required for additional quantities.