How many times can prescriptions for controlled substances in Schedule III-V be transferred in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, prescriptions for controlled substances in Schedules III-V can be transferred only once between pharmacies. This regulation is in alignment with federal guidelines established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which provides that prescriptions for Schedule III-V controlled substances are refillable up to five times within a six-month period after their date of issuance. However, once a prescription has been transferred, it cannot be transferred again, which limits the ability to transfer to a one-time occurrence per prescription.

This one-time transfer rule is designed to minimize the potential for misuse and to ensure proper tracking of the medication as it changes hands. It fosters accountability among pharmacies and prescribers while maintaining patient safety in the distribution of controlled substances.