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Getting to Know the DEA Registration

A DEA license is an approval by the agency for prescribing or dispensing controlled medications. The registration and renewal is a detailed process and it is best to engage professional services for the same.

The U.S. law deems the prescription or distribution of certain medications without a license as a criminal offence. Indeed, all kinds of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, optometrists, dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists who prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances need an express license from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for this privilege.
 
DEA registration renewal

The DEA license bestows this right in a healthcare capacity. A DEA new registration Form 224 contains six sections which can also be filled online after paying the fees. It mainly requires information on the background, business activity, prescribing schedules and state license. It follows that a DEA license mandates an active state license of the state of residence to practice in that state. The DEA will usually take 4 to 6 weeks to process the application and grant a DEA number.

The number – or at least the last four digits - has to be quoted on all prescriptions, orders and other documents. It should be used with care to avoid any misuse as this can impinge on the DEA license holder. Moreover, the DEA license permits prescribing, administering, dispensing, procuring and storing of scheduled drugs only in the state and the specific location that is registered with the DEA. The authority granted under this registration ends at that state’s border. An additional registration is needed for each new location or state. However, a practitioner is permitted to use the registration of the hospital or institution where he/she is employed after meeting certain conditions. Changing the last name does not require obtaining a new registration number.

A DEA license is valid for three years and must be renewed not more than 60 days before the expiration date of the registration. This can again be done online.
 
DEA new registration

What if you don’t have a license?


Medical personnel cannot expect to deal with controlled substances without the requisite license. But, not every person who applies for a DEA license can automatically expect to get it.

There are a number of reasons why the DEA may deny granting a license to an applicant. A healthcare practitioner or business can appeal the decision with the help of legal assistance when the registration gets denied or criminal investigation is underway.

However, it is still better to engage professional assistance at the time of applying for a DEA license or DEA registration renewal itself. Compliance consultants – like The Titan Group are familiar with the DEA norms and requirements for everything from applying for a license to staying in compliance with the laws to getting the registration renewed at regular intervals. They will ensure peace of mind at all times by way of proactive measures to detect and prevent controlled substance diversion, thus ensuring that the licensed healthcare provider does not inadvertently end up violating the law!
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