NARCOTIC SUPPLIES

From time to time there have been published in The Journal statements on the responsibilities of physicians under the Harrison Narcotic Act. In addition to having a registry number that must be renewed each year, the practicing physician must exercise control over his supply of narcotics if for no other reason than to protect himself. In the same light, pharmacists and drug wholesalers must observe certain responsibilities if they are to avoid difficulties with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.

Physicians cannot obtain nonexempt narcotics directly from pharmacists (unless they are registered as narcotics wholesalers) for use in their offices; they must obtain official order forms to secure narcotics for their practice. They can, of course, prescribe narcotics for patients and expect such prescriptions to be filled at pharmacies and in hospitals. However, an interesting aspect of the prescribing of narcotics concerns the liability of the pharmacist, who is responsible under