Is it legal for a physician to post-date a prescription?

Post-dating a prescription, which involves writing a prescription with a date in the future, is not considered legal in most circumstances. This practice can create confusion and inconsistencies in how prescriptions are processed and filled. The primary concern is that it can lead to issues regarding the validity and authenticity of a prescription, increasing the potential for misuse or diversion of medication.

Prescriptions are intended to be filled as of the date written or at an appropriate time relative to that date. A post-dated prescription may circumvent the established protocols pharmacy professionals follow for verifying and processing legitimate patient needs. Additionally, it complicates matters such as insurance claims and medication scheduling for patients and pharmacies alike, as pharmacies typically require prescriptions to be valid and current.

While certain exceptions may exist in individual cases under state laws, the general stance throughout most jurisdictions is that post-dating does not align with proper prescribing practices. Consequently, the correct position is that it is not legal for a physician to issue a post-dated prescription.