What identifier must be included when transferring a controlled substance?

When transferring a controlled substance, it is essential to include specific identifiers to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The correct answer focuses on the requirement to include the DEA number from the transferring pharmacy. The DEA number is a unique identifier assigned to entities authorized to handle controlled substances, including pharmacies, practitioners, and distributors. This number is critical for tracking the movement of controlled substances and ensuring they are handled legally.

Including the DEA number helps maintain accurate records and facilitates inspections or audits by regulatory agencies. It also identifies the source of the controlled substances, which is vital for enforcing regulations around their distribution and preventing misuse or diversion.

In contrast, the other options do not hold relevance in this context: the patient's social security number and weight are personal health information but do not serve as identifiers for the transfer itself. Similarly, the prescriber's email address is not typically involved in the transfer process of controlled substances, thereby making it unnecessary in this scenario.