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What needs to be provided on a prescription?



Rule 222.4(c):

Prescription Information: The format and essential elements of the prescription shall comply with the requirements of the Texas Board of Pharmacy. The following information must be provided on each prescription:

  1. the patient's name and address;
  2. the name, strength, and quantity of the drug to be dispensed;
  3. directions to the patient regarding taking of the drug and the dosage;
  4. the intended use of the drug, if appropriate;
  5. the name, address, telephone number, and, if the prescription is for a controlled substance, the DEA number of the delegating physician;
  6. address and telephone number of the site at which the prescription drug order was carried out or signed;
  7. the date of issuance;
  8. the number of refills permitted; and
  9. the name, prescription authorization number, original signature, and, if the prescription is for a controlled substance, the DEA number of the advanced practice nurse signing or co-signing the prescription drug order.


Rule 222.6(c):

All other standards and requirements as set forth in this chapter relating to carrying out or signing prescription drug orders by advanced practice nurses must be met. In addition, advanced practice nurses with full authorization to practice and valid prescription authorization numbers must comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the prescribing of controlled substances, including but not limited to, requirements set forth by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration.


In addition to the Texas Board of Nursing rules, please note:


Effective September 1, 2008, state law requires that all prescriptions for controlled substances include the prescriber's controlled substance registration number issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in addition to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number. Advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority must put both DPS and DEA numbers on all prescriptions for controlled substances in Schedules III through V. Additional information is available on the DPS web site: www.txdps.state.tx.us/criminal_law_enforcement/narcotics/LegislativeUpdates.pdf.


Advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority must have their own DPS and DEA numbers to prescribe controlled substances.