Why must prescriptions for controlled substances be written with ink or electronically?

Prescriptions for controlled substances must be written with ink or electronically primarily to prevent alteration and ensure the integrity of the prescription. This measure is crucial because controlled substances have a high potential for abuse and diversion. By requiring prescriptions to be written in a manner that is difficult to alter—such as using ink or electronic methods—regulatory bodies aim to protect against fraud and misuse.

The integrity of the prescription helps ensure that only legitimate prescriptions are filled, thereby contributing to patient safety and public health. Electronic prescriptions also provide additional security features, such as encryption and secure transmission, further safeguarding the prescription process.

While speeding up the dispensing process, reducing paper usage, and ensuring the prescriber is qualified are important aspects of prescription management, they do not capture the primary reason for strict formatting regarding controlled substances. The focus remains on preventing alterations and maintaining the integrity of these sensitive documents.