Before prescribing controlled substances, which step is NOT required?

Before prescribing controlled substances, obtaining written consent from the patient is not a mandated requirement in Texas. While informed consent is generally a good practice in healthcare settings, especially regarding understanding the risks and benefits of treatments, it is not a specific legal requirement in Texas for every prescription of controlled substances.

In contrast, reviewing the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) database is essential, as it helps ensure that the prescribing physician monitors the patient’s prescription history for substance use disorders or potential doctor shopping. Documenting an initial history and physical examination is also crucial, as it establishes a clinical foundation and justifies the medical necessity for prescribing controlled substances. Verifying patient identifiers is important to ensure that the prescription is issued to the correct individual, reducing the risk of medication errors or misuse.

Therefore, while all the other steps enhance patient safety and ensure compliance with legal standards, securing written consent is not an obligatory procedure specifically mandated for the prescription of controlled substances in Texas.