Is patient identification required for dispensing controlled substances in Virginia?

Patient identification is indeed required specifically for dispensing controlled substances in Virginia. This requirement is in place to ensure that medications are accurately matched to the correct individual, which is particularly critical for controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and serious health risks.

In the context of Virginia law, when a pharmacist is dispensing controlled substances, they must verify the identity of the patient. This often entails requesting a government-issued identification document, such as a driver's license or another form of ID, to ensure that the prescription is being filled for the correct person and to mitigate the risk of diversion or misuse.

This specific focus on controlled substances distinguishes it from other categories of medications, where identification may not be as strictly mandated. Consequently, while identification might be prudent for other medications, the law requires it explicitly for controlled substances to enhance patient safety and regulatory compliance.