Must the prescriber orally inform the patient of the expiration date for a prescription?

In California, the prescriber is required to orally inform the patient of the expiration date for a prescription. This regulation ensures that patients are fully aware of critical details related to their medication or treatment, including how long the prescription is valid. By providing this information, the prescriber helps the patient understand when they need to refill their prescription or return for a follow-up visit, ultimately contributing to better medication management and adherence to treatment. This practice aligns with the broader goals of patient safety and informed consent, helping to prevent potential complications that could arise from using an expired prescription or misunderstanding its validity.

Other options suggest varying degrees of obligation to inform the patient, but none fulfill the comprehensive requirement established by law that mandates the prescriber to explicitly communicate the expiration date.