What identifier is assigned to healthcare providers that allows them to prescribe controlled substances?

The identifier that is assigned to healthcare providers, allowing them to prescribe controlled substances, is the DEA Registration Number. This number is issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and is a crucial requirement for healthcare professionals who intend to prescribe, dispense, or handle controlled substances in the United States.

The DEA Registration Number ensures that practitioners are authorized and monitored in their prescribing practices, which is essential for controlling the use of potentially harmful drugs. By requiring this specific number, the DEA can track prescription practices and combat issues such as prescription drug abuse and trafficking.

In contrast, the other identifiers mentioned serve different purposes: a Medical License Number is necessary for legal practice and ensures that a provider is qualified in their medical field but does not authorize controlled substance prescriptions specifically. Market Insurance Identification pertains more to how providers are recognized and reimbursed by insurance companies and does not relate to prescribing authority. Provider ID is often used for administrative purposes in healthcare but lacks the specific regulatory oversight associated with controlled substances.