When must a prescription for a controlled substance be written in Delaware?

A prescription for a controlled substance must be written when the drug is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This is significant because Schedule II substances are recognized for their high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Consequently, to enhance patient safety and to regulate their distribution strictly, the law mandates that prescriptions for these drugs be written, rather than dispensed verbally or through electronic means without adhering to specific controlled substance regulations.

In Delaware, Schedule II controlled substances include opioids and certain stimulants, which require a hard copy prescription due to their association with abuse and addiction potential. This requirement ensures that prescriptions are more easily monitored and reduces the risk of misuse.

Because Schedule I substances are illegal for any use, they do not have an allowed prescription under federal law, making the first option irrelevant. The option regarding any controlled substance does not reflect the specific emphasis placed on Schedule II drugs that necessitate a written prescription. Lastly, the assertion that only narcotic prescriptions require writing fails to recognize that not all controlled substances are narcotics, and thus it does not encompass all the necessary prescriptions as stipulated by Delaware law.