Last year the North Carolina General Assembly passed a new law that requires the presentation of photo identification prior to the dispensing of certain controlled substances. Pharmacies will begin asking for identification on Thursday, March 1, 2012.

We encourage you to mention this new requirement to your patients if you prescribe controlled substances to them, as they may not be aware of the change.

Below you will find answers to commonly asked questions about the new law:

For which controlled substances will photo identification be required?

All Schedule II Controlled Substances and Schedule II Controlled Substances listed in subdivision 1-8 of G.S. 90-91 (d). 

May someone else obtain a prescription on behalf of a patient?

Yes. The photo identification of the person picking up the prescription must be documented.

What forms of identification are acceptable under the new law?

Only a driver’s license, a special identification card issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles, a military identification card or a passport may be accepted. Identification must be current and unexpired.

Read the new law in its entirety here.