For a prescription for a controlled substance to be valid, it must be issued for what?

A prescription for a controlled substance must be issued for a legitimate purpose to ensure that it is not abused and that the medication is used appropriately. This requirement is designed to prevent illegal use and distribution of controlled substances. Healthcare providers must have a valid patient-physician relationship and a legitimate medical reason for prescribing these medications, which could be for the treatment of a condition or for managing pain, among other things.

Issuing a prescription solely for personal use, participating in clinical trials, or in emergency cases alone doesn't encompass the broader standard of 'legitimate purpose,' which is a crucial factor in both regulatory compliance and patient safety. This standard protects both patients and the public by ensuring that prescriptions are used as intended and that healthcare providers remain accountable in their prescribing practices.