{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-3408.01.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-3408.01.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-3408.01.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-3408.01.html"}],"law_id":68723,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68723,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.01","catch_line":"Requirements for prescriptions","history":"2000, cc. 135, 861; 2002, c. 411; 2003, c. 639; 2006, c. 195; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2020, c. 464.","full_text":"A\n\nThe written prescription referred to in &#xA7; 54.1-3408 shall be written with ink or individually typed or printed. The prescription shall contain the name, address, and telephone number of the prescriber. A prescription for a controlled substance other than one controlled in Schedule VI shall also contain the federal controlled substances registration number assigned to the prescriber. The prescriber&#8217;s information shall be either preprinted upon the prescription blank, electronically printed, typewritten, rubber stamped, or printed by hand.\n\t\t\tThe written prescription shall contain the first and last name of the patient for whom the drug is prescribed. The address of the patient shall either be placed upon the written prescription by the prescriber or his agent, or by the dispenser of the prescription. If the prescriber is providing expedited partner therapy pursuant to &#xA7; 54.1-3303 and the contact patient&#8217;s name and address are unavailable, then &#8220;Expedited Partner Therapy&#8221; or &#8220;EPT&#8221; shall be affixed on the written prescription, in lieu of the contact patient&#8217;s name and address. If not otherwise prohibited by law, the dispenser may record the address of the patient in an electronic prescription dispensing record for that patient in lieu of recording it on the prescription. Each written prescription shall be dated as of, and signed by the prescriber on, the day when issued. The prescription may be prepared by an agent for the prescriber&#8217;s signature.\n\t\t\tThis section shall not prohibit a prescriber from using preprinted prescriptions for drugs classified in Schedule VI if all requirements concerning dates, signatures, and other information specified above are otherwise fulfilled.\n\t\t\tNo written prescription order form shall include more than one prescription. However, this provision shall not apply (i) to prescriptions written as chart orders for patients in hospitals and long-term-care facilities, patients receiving home infusion services or hospice patients, or (ii) to a prescription ordered through a pharmacy operated by or for the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, the central pharmacy of the Department of Health, or the central outpatient pharmacy operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; or (iii) to prescriptions written for patients residing in adult and juvenile detention centers, local or regional jails, or work release centers operated by the Department of Corrections.B\n\nPrescribers&#8217; orders, whether written as chart orders or prescriptions, for Schedules II, III, IV, and V controlled drugs to be administered to (i) patients or residents of long-term care facilities served by a Virginia pharmacy from a remote location or (ii) patients receiving parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraspinal infusion therapy and served by a home infusion pharmacy from a remote location, may be transmitted to that remote pharmacy by an electronic communications device over telephone lines which send the exact image to the receiver in hard copy form, and such facsimile copy shall be treated as a valid original prescription order. If the order is for a radiopharmaceutical, a physician authorized by state or federal law to possess and administer medical radioactive materials may authorize a nuclear medicine technologist to transmit a prescriber&#8217;s verbal or written orders for radiopharmaceuticals.C\n\nThe oral prescription referred to in &#xA7; 54.1-3408 shall be transmitted to the pharmacy of the patient&#8217;s choice by the prescriber or his authorized agent. For the purposes of this section, an authorized agent of the prescriber shall be an employee of the prescriber who is under his immediate and personal supervision, or if not an employee, an individual who holds a valid license allowing the administration or dispensing of drugs and who is specifically directed by the prescriber.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":248786,"text":"The written prescription referred to in &#xA7; 54.1-3408 shall be written with ink or individually typed or printed. The prescription shall contain the name, address, and telephone number of the prescriber. A prescription for a controlled substance other than one controlled in Schedule VI shall also contain the federal controlled substances registration number assigned to the prescriber. The prescriber&#8217;s information shall be either preprinted upon the prescription blank, electronically printed, typewritten, rubber stamped, or printed by hand.\n\t\t\tThe written prescription shall contain the first and last name of the patient for whom the drug is prescribed. The address of the patient shall either be placed upon the written prescription by the prescriber or his agent, or by the dispenser of the prescription. If the prescriber is providing expedited partner therapy pursuant to &#xA7; 54.1-3303 and the contact patient&#8217;s name and address are unavailable, then &#8220;Expedited Partner Therapy&#8221; or &#8220;EPT&#8221; shall be affixed on the written prescription, in lieu of the contact patient&#8217;s name and address. If not otherwise prohibited by law, the dispenser may record the address of the patient in an electronic prescription dispensing record for that patient in lieu of recording it on the prescription. Each written prescription shall be dated as of, and signed by the prescriber on, the day when issued. The prescription may be prepared by an agent for the prescriber&#8217;s signature.\n\t\t\tThis section shall not prohibit a prescriber from using preprinted prescriptions for drugs classified in Schedule VI if all requirements concerning dates, signatures, and other information specified above are otherwise fulfilled.\n\t\t\tNo written prescription order form shall include more than one prescription. However, this provision shall not apply (i) to prescriptions written as chart orders for patients in hospitals and long-term-care facilities, patients receiving home infusion services or hospice patients, or (ii) to a prescription ordered through a pharmacy operated by or for the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, the central pharmacy of the Department of Health, or the central outpatient pharmacy operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; or (iii) to prescriptions written for patients residing in adult and juvenile detention centers, local or regional jails, or work release centers operated by the Department of Corrections.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":248787,"text":"Prescribers&#8217; orders, whether written as chart orders or prescriptions, for Schedules II, III, IV, and V controlled drugs to be administered to (i) patients or residents of long-term care facilities served by a Virginia pharmacy from a remote location or (ii) patients receiving parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraspinal infusion therapy and served by a home infusion pharmacy from a remote location, may be transmitted to that remote pharmacy by an electronic communications device over telephone lines which send the exact image to the receiver in hard copy form, and such facsimile copy shall be treated as a valid original prescription order. If the order is for a radiopharmaceutical, a physician authorized by state or federal law to possess and administer medical radioactive materials may authorize a nuclear medicine technologist to transmit a prescriber&#8217;s verbal or written orders for radiopharmaceuticals.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":248788,"text":"The oral prescription referred to in &#xA7; 54.1-3408 shall be transmitted to the pharmacy of the patient&#8217;s choice by the prescriber or his authorized agent. For the purposes of this section, an authorized agent of the prescriber shall be an employee of the prescriber who is under his immediate and personal supervision, or if not an employee, an individual who holds a valid license allowing the administration or dispensing of drugs and who is specifically directed by the prescriber.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13871,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13240,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:08","permalink":{"id":243225,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13871,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13240,"edition_id":1,"name":"Drug Control Act","identifier":"34","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","permalink":{"id":243223,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13240,"identifier":"34","token":"54.1\/III\/34","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":77846,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3400","catch_line":"Citation","url":"\/54.1-3400\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3400","metadata":false},{"id":59669,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3401","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3401\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3401","metadata":false},{"id":73061,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3401.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3401.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3401.1","metadata":false},{"id":67762,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3402","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3402\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3402","metadata":false},{"id":66637,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3403","catch_line":"Chapter not applicable to economic poisons","url":"\/54.1-3403\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3403","metadata":false},{"id":64371,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3404","catch_line":"Inventories of controlled substances required of certain persons; contents and form of record","url":"\/54.1-3404\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3404","metadata":false},{"id":55711,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3405","catch_line":"Access to and copies of records; inspections","url":"\/54.1-3405\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3405","metadata":false},{"id":69269,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3406","catch_line":"Records confidential; disclosure of information about violations of federal law","url":"\/54.1-3406\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3406","metadata":false},{"id":62600,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3407","catch_line":"Analysis of controlled substances","url":"\/54.1-3407\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3407","metadata":false},{"id":77665,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","url":"\/54.1-3408\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408","metadata":false},{"id":68723,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.01","catch_line":"Requirements for prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3408.01\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.01","metadata":false},{"id":69355,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.02","catch_line":"Transmission of prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3408.02\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.02","metadata":false},{"id":81842,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.03","catch_line":"Dispensing of therapeutically equivalent drug product permitted","url":"\/54.1-3408.03\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.03","metadata":false},{"id":61115,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.04","catch_line":"Dispensing of interchangeable biosimilars permitted","url":"\/54.1-3408.04\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.04","metadata":false},{"id":58824,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.05","catch_line":"Use of FDA-approved substance upon publication of final rule","url":"\/54.1-3408.05\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.05","metadata":false},{"id":82403,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.1","catch_line":"Prescription in excess of recommended dosage in certain cases","url":"\/54.1-3408.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.1","metadata":false},{"id":54900,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.2","catch_line":"Failure to report administration or dispensing of or prescription for controlled substances; report required; penalty","url":"\/54.1-3408.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.2","metadata":false},{"id":66341,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.3","catch_line":"Certification for use of cannabis for treatment","url":"\/54.1-3408.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.3","metadata":false},{"id":84329,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.4","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/54.1-3408.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.4","metadata":false},{"id":64050,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.5","catch_line":"Epinephrine required in certain places of public accommodation","url":"\/54.1-3408.5\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.5","metadata":false},{"id":86191,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3409","catch_line":"Professional use by veterinarians","url":"\/54.1-3409\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3409","metadata":false},{"id":83740,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410","catch_line":"When pharmacist may sell and dispense drugs","url":"\/54.1-3410\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410","metadata":false},{"id":56420,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.1","catch_line":"Requirements for radiopharmaceuticals","url":"\/54.1-3410.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.1","metadata":false},{"id":84268,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.2","catch_line":"Compounding; pharmacists' authority to compound under certain conditions; labeling and record maintenance requirements","url":"\/54.1-3410.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.2","metadata":false},{"id":70552,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.3","catch_line":"Accessible prescription labels","url":"\/54.1-3410.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.3","metadata":false},{"id":77643,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411","catch_line":"When prescriptions may be refilled","url":"\/54.1-3411\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411","metadata":false},{"id":61132,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.1","catch_line":"Prohibition on returns, exchanges, or re-dispensing of drugs; exceptions","url":"\/54.1-3411.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.1","metadata":false},{"id":65473,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.2","catch_line":"Prescription drug disposal programs","url":"\/54.1-3411.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.2","metadata":false},{"id":86720,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.2:1","catch_line":"Guidelines for disposal of unused drugs","url":"\/54.1-3411.2_1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":79333,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3412","catch_line":"Date of dispensing; initials of pharmacist; automated data processing system","url":"\/54.1-3412\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3412","metadata":false},{"id":84967,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3413","catch_line":"Manufacturing and administering Schedule I drugs","url":"\/54.1-3413\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3413","metadata":false},{"id":72920,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3414","catch_line":"Official orders for Schedule II drugs","url":"\/54.1-3414\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3414","metadata":false},{"id":75448,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3415","catch_line":"Distribution of drugs in Schedules II through VI by manufacturers and wholesalers","url":"\/54.1-3415\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3415","metadata":false},{"id":65722,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3415.1","catch_line":"Delivery of medical devices on behalf of a medical equipment supplier","url":"\/54.1-3415.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3415.1","metadata":false},{"id":81317,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3416","catch_line":"No prescription for preparations listed pursuant to Schedule V","url":"\/54.1-3416\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3416","metadata":false},{"id":85551,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3417","catch_line":"Disposing of stocks of Schedules II through V drugs","url":"\/54.1-3417\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3417","metadata":false},{"id":57515,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3418","catch_line":"Sale of aqueous or oleaginous solutions","url":"\/54.1-3418\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3418","metadata":false},{"id":72600,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3419","catch_line":"Dispensing of insulin preparations","url":"\/54.1-3419\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3419","metadata":false},{"id":83366,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3420","catch_line":"Distribution of certain drugs; written request or confirmation of receipt","url":"\/54.1-3420\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3420","metadata":false},{"id":79253,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3420.1","catch_line":"Identification required for filling prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3420.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3420.1","metadata":false},{"id":56483,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3420.2","catch_line":"Delivery of prescription drug order","url":"\/54.1-3420.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3420.2","metadata":false},{"id":55265,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3420.3","catch_line":"Prohibition on refusing to fill prescription from telemedicine provider","url":"\/54.1-3420.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3420.3","metadata":false},{"id":55995,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3421","catch_line":"New drugs","url":"\/54.1-3421\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3421","metadata":false},{"id":73818,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3422","catch_line":"Controlled substances registration certificate required in addition to other requirements; exemptions","url":"\/54.1-3422\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3422","metadata":false},{"id":87135,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3423","catch_line":"Board to issue registration unless inconsistent with public interest; authorization to conduct research; application and fees","url":"\/54.1-3423\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3423","metadata":false},{"id":59124,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3424","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of registration, license or permit; limitation to particular controlled substance; controlled substances placed under seal; sale of perishables and forfeiture; notification to DEA","url":"\/54.1-3424\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3424","metadata":false},{"id":83858,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3425","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3425\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3425","metadata":false},{"id":86762,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3426","catch_line":"Regulations for special packaging","url":"\/54.1-3426\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3426","metadata":false},{"id":85278,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3427","catch_line":"Dispensing drugs without safety closure container","url":"\/54.1-3427\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3427","metadata":false},{"id":68396,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3428","catch_line":"Dissemination of information","url":"\/54.1-3428\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3428","metadata":false},{"id":74207,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3429","catch_line":"Revocation of permit issued to manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor","url":"\/54.1-3429\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3429","metadata":false},{"id":73141,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3430","catch_line":"Display of permit; permits nontransferable; renewal","url":"\/54.1-3430\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3430","metadata":false},{"id":76001,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3431","catch_line":"Admission into evidence of certain certificates of analysis","url":"\/54.1-3431\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3431","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":77665,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","url":"\/54.1-3408\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":69355,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.02","catch_line":"Transmission of prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3408.02\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.02","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-3408.01\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 2000. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?001+ful+CHAP0135\">135<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?001+ful+CHAP0861\">861<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2002, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?021+ful+CHAP0411\">411<\/a>; in 2003, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?031+ful+CHAP0639\">639<\/a>; in 2006, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?061+ful+CHAP0195\">195<\/a>; in 2009, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?091+ful+CHAP0813\">813<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?091+ful+CHAP0840\">840<\/a>; in 2020, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?201+ful+CHAP0464\">464<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":85347,"section_number":"54.1-3303","catch_line":"Prescriptions to be issued and drugs to be dispensed for medical or therapeutic purposes only","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3303\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":85347,"section_number":"54.1-3303","catch_line":"Prescriptions to be issued and drugs to be dispensed for medical or therapeutic purposes only","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3303\/"},{"id":77665,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3408\/"}],"permalink":{"id":243267,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68723,"identifier":"54.1-3408.01","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.01","url":"\/54.1-3408.01\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-3408.01\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.01","dublin_core":{"Title":"Requirements for prescriptions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-3408.01","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> The written prescription referred to in &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Professional use by practitioners\" href=\"\/54.1-3408\/\">54.1-3408<\/a> shall be written with ink or individually typed or printed. The prescription shall contain the name, address, and telephone number of the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span>. A prescription for a <span class=\"dictionary\">controlled substance<\/span> other than one controlled in Schedule VI shall also contain the federal <span class=\"dictionary\">controlled substances<\/span> registration number assigned to the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span>. The <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span>&#8217;s information shall be either preprinted upon the prescription blank, electronically printed, typewritten, rubber stamped, or printed by hand.\n\t\t\tThe written prescription shall contain the first and last name of the patient for whom the <span class=\"dictionary\">drug<\/span> is prescribed. The address of the patient shall either be placed upon the written prescription by the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> or his <span class=\"dictionary\">agent<\/span>, or by the <span class=\"dictionary\">dispenser<\/span> of the prescription. If the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> is providing expedited partner therapy pursuant to &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Prescriptions to be issued and drugs to be dispensed for medical or therapeutic purposes only\" href=\"\/54.1-3303\/\">54.1-3303<\/a> and the contact patient&#8217;s name and address are unavailable, then &#8220;Expedited Partner Therapy&#8221; or &#8220;EPT&#8221; shall be affixed on the written prescription, in lieu of the contact patient&#8217;s name and address. If not otherwise prohibited by <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>, the <span class=\"dictionary\">dispenser<\/span> may record the address of the patient in an <span class=\"dictionary\">electronic prescription<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span> record for that patient in lieu of recording it on the prescription. Each written prescription shall be dated as of, and signed by the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> on, the day when issued. The prescription may be prepared by an <span class=\"dictionary\">agent<\/span> for the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span>&#8217;s signature.\n\t\t\tThis section shall not prohibit a <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> from using preprinted <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriptions<\/span> for <span class=\"dictionary\">drugs<\/span> classified in Schedule VI if all requirements concerning dates, signatures, and other information specified above are otherwise fulfilled.\n\t\t\tNo written prescription <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> form shall include more than one prescription. However, this provision shall not apply (i) to <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriptions<\/span> written as chart <span class=\"dictionary\">orders<\/span> for patients in hospitals and long-term-care facilities, patients receiving home infusion services or hospice patients, or (ii) to a prescription ordered through a pharmacy operated by or for the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, the central pharmacy of the Department of Health, or the central outpatient pharmacy operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; or (iii) to <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriptions<\/span> written for patients residing in adult and juvenile detention centers, local or regional jails, or work release centers operated by the Department of Corrections. <a id=\"paragraph-248786\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-3408.01\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">Prescribers<\/span>&#8217; <span class=\"dictionary\">orders<\/span>, whether written as chart <span class=\"dictionary\">orders<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriptions<\/span>, for <span class=\"dictionary\">Schedules<\/span> II, III, IV, and V controlled <span class=\"dictionary\">drugs<\/span> to be administered to (i) patients or residents of long-term care facilities served by a Virginia pharmacy from a remote location or (ii) patients receiving parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraspinal infusion therapy and served by a home infusion pharmacy from a remote location, may be transmitted to that remote pharmacy by an electronic communications <span class=\"dictionary\">device<\/span> over telephone lines which send the exact image to the receiver in hard copy form, and such facsimile copy shall be treated as a valid original prescription <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>. If the <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> is for a <span class=\"dictionary\">radiopharmaceutical<\/span>, a physician authorized by state or federal <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> to possess and <span class=\"dictionary\">administer<\/span> medical radioactive <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span> may authorize a <span class=\"dictionary\">nuclear medicine technologist<\/span> to transmit a <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span>&#8217;s verbal or written <span class=\"dictionary\">orders<\/span> for <span class=\"dictionary\">radiopharmaceuticals<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-248787\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-3408.01\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> The oral prescription referred to in &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Professional use by practitioners\" href=\"\/54.1-3408\/\">54.1-3408<\/a> shall be transmitted to the pharmacy of the patient&#8217;s choice by the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> or his authorized <span class=\"dictionary\">agent<\/span>. For the purposes of this section, an authorized <span class=\"dictionary\">agent<\/span> of the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> shall be an employee of the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> who is under his immediate and personal supervision, or if not an employee, an individual who holds a valid license allowing the administration or <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">drugs<\/span> and who is specifically directed by the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-248788\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-3408.01\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREQUIREMENTS FOR PRESCRIPTIONS (\u00a7 54.1-3408.01)\n\nA. The written prescription referred to in &#xA7; 54.1-3408 shall be written\nwith ink or individually typed or printed. The prescription shall contain the\nname, address, and telephone number of the prescriber. A prescription for a\ncontrolled substance other than one controlled in Schedule VI shall also contain\nthe federal controlled substances registration number assigned to the\nprescriber. The prescriber&#8217;s information shall be either preprinted upon\nthe prescription blank, electronically printed, typewritten, rubber stamped, or\nprinted by hand.\n\t\t\tThe written prescription shall contain the first and last name of the patient\nfor whom the drug is prescribed. The address of the patient shall either be\nplaced upon the written prescription by the prescriber or his agent, or by the\ndispenser of the prescription. If the prescriber is providing expedited partner\ntherapy pursuant to &#xA7; 54.1-3303 and the contact patient&#8217;s name and\naddress are unavailable, then &#8220;Expedited Partner Therapy&#8221; or\n&#8220;EPT&#8221; shall be affixed on the written prescription, in lieu of the\ncontact patient&#8217;s name and address. If not otherwise prohibited by law,\nthe dispenser may record the address of the patient in an electronic\nprescription dispensing record for that patient in lieu of recording it on the\nprescription. Each written prescription shall be dated as of, and signed by the\nprescriber on, the day when issued. The prescription may be prepared by an agent\nfor the prescriber&#8217;s signature.\n\t\t\tThis section shall not prohibit a prescriber from using preprinted\nprescriptions for drugs classified in Schedule VI if all requirements concerning\ndates, signatures, and other information specified above are otherwise\nfulfilled.\n\t\t\tNo written prescription order form shall include more than one prescription.\nHowever, this provision shall not apply (i) to prescriptions written as chart\norders for patients in hospitals and long-term-care facilities, patients\nreceiving home infusion services or hospice patients, or (ii) to a prescription\nordered through a pharmacy operated by or for the Department of Corrections or\nthe Department of Juvenile Justice, the central pharmacy of the Department of\nHealth, or the central outpatient pharmacy operated by the Department of\nBehavioral Health and Developmental Services; or (iii) to prescriptions written\nfor patients residing in adult and juvenile detention centers, local or regional\njails, or work release centers operated by the Department of Corrections.\n\nB. Prescribers&#8217; orders, whether written as chart orders or prescriptions,\nfor Schedules II, III, IV, and V controlled drugs to be administered to (i)\npatients or residents of long-term care facilities served by a Virginia pharmacy\nfrom a remote location or (ii) patients receiving parenteral, intravenous,\nintramuscular, subcutaneous or intraspinal infusion therapy and served by a home\ninfusion pharmacy from a remote location, may be transmitted to that remote\npharmacy by an electronic communications device over telephone lines which send\nthe exact image to the receiver in hard copy form, and such facsimile copy shall\nbe treated as a valid original prescription order. If the order is for a\nradiopharmaceutical, a physician authorized by state or federal law to possess\nand administer medical radioactive materials may authorize a nuclear medicine\ntechnologist to transmit a prescriber&#8217;s verbal or written orders for\nradiopharmaceuticals.\n\nC. The oral prescription referred to in &#xA7; 54.1-3408 shall be transmitted to\nthe pharmacy of the patient&#8217;s choice by the prescriber or his authorized\nagent. For the purposes of this section, an authorized agent of the prescriber\nshall be an employee of the prescriber who is under his immediate and personal\nsupervision, or if not an employee, an individual who holds a valid license\nallowing the administration or dispensing of drugs and who is specifically\ndirected by the prescriber.\n\nHISTORY: 2000, cc. 135, 861; 2002, c. 411; 2003, c. 639; 2006, c. 195; 2009, cc.\n813, 840; 2020, c. 464.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}