What should a pharmacist NOT change on a C2 prescription?

The signature of the practitioner on a Schedule II prescription is a critical component that validates the prescription. It serves as the practitioner's authorization for the dispensing of the controlled substance and is legally required to prevent unauthorized alterations or fraudulent prescriptions. Changes to the signature could imply that the pharmacist has altered the prescription without the practitioner’s consent, which would violate the law and compromise the integrity of the prescription process.

In contrast, elements like the patient's address, the date of issue, or the quantity of the drug may be permissible to modify under certain circumstances, provided these changes do not affect the essential details of the prescription or violate state regulations. Adjustments to non-critical elements, as long as they are properly documented and comply with legal guidelines, are typically allowed. However, any alterations to the signature are strictly prohibited to ensure the authenticity and legality of the prescription.