Final answer:
A CS prescription to be valid in West Virginia must be issued by a state-licensed practitioner authorized to prescribe controlled substances, and include proper patient details, the drug's specifics, and comply with all legal provisions. Pharmacists must also verify the prescription's legitimacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a controlled substance (CS) prescription to be valid in West Virginia (WV), certain legal requirements must be met. The prescribing practitioner must be licensed in the state of West Virginia and have the appropriate authority to prescribe controlled substances. The prescription must include detailed patient information, be written for a legitimate medical purpose, and be in the full compliance with both federal and state regulations.
Moreover, it must include the date of issue, the patient’s name and address, the drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity prescribed, directions for use, and the prescriber's signature. In the case of scheduled drugs, there may also be additional restrictions and documentation requirements. Electronic prescriptions for controlled substances are accepted, but they must adhere to the stringent guidelines set by the DEA's Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS) mandate.
Pharmacists receiving the prescription are also required to exercise corresponding responsibility, ensuring the validity of the prescription before dispensing. This involves a verification process for the authenticity and appropriateness of the prescription based on the pharmacist's professional judgment.