Changes Pharmacists May Make to Schedule II Paper Prescriptions

Drug Enforcement Administration
Diversion Control Division
Guidance Document
Title: Changes Pharmacists May Make to Schedule II Paper Prescriptions
Summary: This guidance document provides clarification regarding the changes pharmacists may
make to schedule II paper prescriptions. This guidance will remain in effect until the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) codifies new regulations, or until this guidance is otherwise
modified or withdrawn by DEA. This guidance will be sent via email to all DEA-registered
pharmacies and practitioners and will be posted on the DEA guidance portal.
Activity: Changes Pharmacist May Make to Schedule II Paper Prescriptions
To Whom It Applies: All DEA-Registered Pharmacies and Practitioners
Question: What changes can be made to a schedule II paper prescription?
Answer: In the past few months, DEA has received an increasing number of questions concerning
pharmacists’ ability to add or modify information—like a patient’s address—on paper prescriptions.
To address these questions, DEA has been reviewing the relevant regulations and working to draft
new regulations to address this issue. In the interim, pharmacists should adhere to state regulations
or policy regarding those changes that a pharmacist may make to a schedule II prescription after oral
consultation with the prescriber.
The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind
the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding
existing requirements under the law or Department of Justice policies.
EO-DEA257, DEA-DC-063, October 18, 2022