What is the prescriber identifier required for the Tennessee Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (CSMD)?

The prescriber identifier required for the Tennessee Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (CSMD) is the DEA number. This is because the DEA number is specifically issued to healthcare providers who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances. It serves as an essential tool in tracking and managing the prescribing and dispensing of these substances, which is critical for preventing misuse and ensuring safe practices.

The other identifiers do not fulfill the same role. The state medical license number certifies that a prescriber can practice medicine within the state, but it does not specifically indicate their authority to prescribe controlled substances. The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique identification number for healthcare providers but is not specific to controlled substances. Lastly, the pharmacist license number pertains to the authorization for pharmacists to dispense medications, rather than prescriptive authority. Thus, the DEA number is the correct and necessary identifier in the context of controlled substances and the CSMD.