District Of Columbia § 48-903.08 - Prescriptions.

Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 48-903.08 — Prescriptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 48-903.08. Prescriptions.

48-903.08
(a)

Except when dispensed directly by a practitioner, other than a pharmacy, to an ultimate user, no controlled substance in Schedule II may be dispensed without the written prescription of a practitioner.

(b)

In emergency situations, as defined by rule of the Mayor, Schedule II drugs may be dispensed upon oral prescription of a practitioner, reduced promptly to writing and filed by the pharmacy. Prescriptions shall be retained in conformity with the requirements of . No prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance may be refilled.

(c)

Except when dispensed directly by a practitioner, other than a pharmacy, to an ultimate user, a controlled substance included in Schedule III or IV which is a prescription drug as determined under § 353(b) of Title 21, United States Code, shall not be dispensed without a written or oral prescription of a practitioner. The prescription shall not be filled or refilled more than 6 months after the date thereof or be refilled more than 5 times, unless renewed by the practitioner.

(d)

A controlled substance included in Schedule V shall not be distributed or dispensed other than for a medical purpose.

(e)

Whenever a practitioner dispenses any controlled substance on a written or oral prescription issued by a practitioner, the practitioner shall affix to the container in which such controlled substance is dispensed a label showing the name of the controlled substance or controlled substances contained therein unless otherwise so indicated by the prescribing practitioner; the serial number and date of initial filling; the directions for use; the practitioner’s name and registry number; the name of the ultimate user, or if the ultimate user is an animal, the name of the owner and the species of the animal; the name of the practitioner issuing the prescription; and caution statements, if any, as required by law.

Annotations

Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 48-903.08

What does D.C. Code § 48-903.08 cover?

Section 48-903.08 ("Prescriptions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite District Of Columbia § 48-903.08?

A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 48-903.08" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.

How does District Of Columbia § 48-903.08 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.