Which statement best describes DEA prescriber identification requirements?

Which statement best describes DEA prescriber identification requirements?

• A. X, Y, Z
• B. D, E
• C. A, B, F, or M
• D. R, S

Answer: (C)

DEA numbers identify who is allowed to prescribe controlled substances, and the first character of the number signals the category of the prescriber. For those authorized to write controlled-substance prescriptions, the prefixes typically seen are A, B, F, or M. This is why the statement describing these prefixes best fits the identification requirements: it matches the actual way DEA numbers categorize prescribers. The other prefixes listed in the distractors do not correspond to the standard prescriber categories in the DEA numbering system, so they wouldn't describe the typical identification requirement. In practice, a valid prescriber’s DEA number must be used on prescriptions for controlled substances, and the prefix helps verify the prescriber type.

DEA numbers identify who is allowed to prescribe controlled substances, and the first character of the number signals the category of the prescriber. For those authorized to write controlled-substance prescriptions, the prefixes typically seen are A, B, F, or M. This is why the statement describing these prefixes best fits the identification requirements: it matches the actual way DEA numbers categorize prescribers. The other prefixes listed in the distractors do not correspond to the standard prescriber categories in the DEA numbering system, so they wouldn't describe the typical identification requirement. In practice, a valid prescriber’s DEA number must be used on prescriptions for controlled substances, and the prefix helps verify the prescriber type.