What must always be noted on a hard copy CII prescription?

The correct answer is that the date the prescription was written must always be noted on a hard copy CII prescription. This requirement is essential for several reasons. First, the date serves to establish the validity of the prescription, as controlled substances have specific dispensing time frames. For example, in many jurisdictions, a CII prescription is only valid for a limited number of days from the date it was issued. Additionally, noting the date helps in tracking the medication use and ensuring compliance with regulations governing the prescription and potential refills.

In contrast, while the physician's DEA number is crucial when it comes to verifying the legitimacy of the prescription, it may not need to be noted explicitly on every hard copy, especially if the pharmacy has it on file. Patient's insurance information is not a necessity on the prescription itself; this may be collected during the dispensing process but does not need to appear on the prescription. Lastly, while the pharmacist's initials may be necessary for internal records when dispensing, it's not a mandated requirement to be included on the actual prescription document itself. Thus, the date written on a CII prescription is critical for legal and operational purposes in the pharmacy setting.