Who must check and sign orders for schedule II controlled substances?

The responsibility for checking and signing orders for Schedule II controlled substances lies with a pharmacist. This requirement is in place due to the high potential for abuse and addiction associated with these substances, which includes medications like opioids and certain stimulants. The pharmacist's role is critical because they are trained to evaluate the appropriateness of medication orders, ensure that they comply with legal and regulatory standards, and assess for potential drug interactions, allergies, and patient-specific factors.

Pharmacy technicians and other staff may assist with the preparation and processing of these orders, but only a pharmacist possesses the necessary licensure and expertise to validate and sign off on such orders. Nurses can administer medications but typically do not have authorization to check and sign orders for controlled substances, and store managers do not have specific training related to medication management in the pharmacy context. Therefore, emphasizing the pharmacist's role underscores the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in handling potent medications.