What essential information must be included in the records of dispensed controlled substances?

The requirement to include patient name, drug name, quantity, and pharmacist's initials in the records of dispensed controlled substances is crucial for both regulatory compliance and patient safety.

Including the patient's name ensures that the records are accurately tied to the individual receiving the medication, which is important for tracking and avoiding potential medication errors. The drug name is essential as it identifies the specific medication dispensed, necessary for maintaining accurate medication histories and preventing drug interactions. The quantity of the controlled substance is recorded to ensure that the dispensing aligns with the prescription and regulatory limitations, helping to monitor for potential misuse or diversion of controlled substances. Pharmacist's initials not only confirm who dispensed the medication but also provide accountability and facilitate quality assurance in the pharmacy operations.

In contrast, options that do not pertain to the immediate dispensing and verification process may be valuable in other contexts (such as pharmacy licensing for regulatory compliance or drug manufacturer information for product recalls), but they do not meet the fundamental requirements for robust documentation in the dispensing of controlled substances.