DEA Requirements for Schedule IV Controlled Substances

Prescription Requirements

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes that prescriptions for Schedule IV medications must include the patient's full name and address, drug name, strength, dosage form, and quantity 1
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology recommend that prescriptions for Schedule IV medications include directions for use and the date of issue 1, 2, 3
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that Schedule IV prescriptions may be issued orally, in writing, or by electronic transmission where permitted by state law, and must include the prescriber's signature 4

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that records must be kept for at least 2 years and be readily retrievable for DEA inspection 4

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 generally requires at least one in-person evaluation before prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine 4
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that some states have enacted legislation to specifically allow prescribing of controlled substances during telemedicine practice 4

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology note that non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics (zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon) and some weight loss medications (phentermine) are examples of Schedule IV medications 1, 2, 3

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that prescribers should be aware of both federal DEA requirements and state-specific regulations, which may be more restrictive 4

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that failing to check state-specific regulations that may be more restrictive than federal requirements is a potential pitfall to avoid 4