When must a prescription for a controlled substance be manually signed by the practitioner?

A prescription for a controlled substance must be manually signed by the practitioner on the date it is issued. This is a critical requirement in ensuring that the prescription is valid and can be deemed lawful for dispensing by pharmacies. The manual signature serves as an affirmation of the practitioner's authorization for the medication and confirms that the prescription has been properly issued.

If the signature were required before issuing or after payment confirmation, it could create unnecessary delays or complications in patient care, undermining the efficiency and efficacy of treatment. Moreover, requiring the signature within a short time frame, such as 24 hours post-issue, could lead to potential issues with the validity of the prescription if not done immediately, as controlled substances require strict adherence to regulations to prevent misuse and ensure proper patient management. Thus, the correct timing for the manual signature is crucial to meet legal standards and maintain the integrity of the prescription process.