What method can a pharmacist use to verify a prescriber's authority to prescribe Suboxone®?

Verifying a prescriber's authority to prescribe a medication like Suboxone®, which contains buprenorphine, is essential because it is classified as a controlled substance. A pharmacy must ensure that the prescriber has the proper credentials and authority to dispense such medication, especially given its use for treating opioid dependence.

Checking the prescriber's DEA number is a reliable method because the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) number is a unique identifier assigned to healthcare providers, allowing them to write prescriptions for controlled substances. Each prescriber authorized to prescribe controlled substances must register with the DEA, and those with a valid DEA number can legally prescribe medications such as Suboxone®. This method confirms that the prescriber is not only authorized to prescribe but also that they are registered under the appropriate schedules of controlled substances.

While asking the patient for confirmation or referring to the state licensing board may provide some information, they are not definitive methods of verification. Patients may not always have accurate or complete information regarding prescribers' credentials, and while the state licensing board can provide verification, it may not be as immediate or practical as checking the DEA number directly. Assuming the prescriber is authorized is not safe practice, as it can lead to legal and ethical ramifications for the pharmacist and the