Skip to main content

How to Find the Perfect DEA Compliance Professional

There is a thin line between lawful and unlawful conduct when it comes to handling controlled substances. Knowing how to hire the right compliance expert will ensure that you do not overstep the bounds!

The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is cracking down big time on everyone who handles controlled substances. The overarching aim is to curb illegal usage and diversion while ensuring that the Controlled Substances Act is enforced in letter and spirit.

Accordingly, healthcare providers that prescribe, administer or dispense scheduled drugs are subject to stringent conditions related to DEA new registration, recordkeeping, reporting, storage, etc. The repercussions of even inadvertent non-compliance can prove to be quite catastrophic.

The consensus is clear. Given the heavy risks, DEA registrants cannot expect to tide the challenges of regulatory compliance on their own. Professional guidance and assistance has become almost mandatory!
 

Enter the DEA Compliance Expert!


Indeed, there are very many agencies offering expert services for complying with the operational and regulatory aspects of the Controlled Substances Act. Choosing the right consultant is crucial here. Following are some tips on how to ensure that the compliance expert is right for the job at hand:

  • Check the background and expertise of the consultant. Inquire about their knowledge of the Controlled Substances Act and experience with the DEA. Have they worked on DEA diversion cases and can they counsel on DEA compliance measures?
  • Find out the details about the documents and protocols they offer. Ask if they create DEA compliance checklists and other policies after assessing the risks faced by the DEA registrant/facility. Also, check whether they will train the staff and practice mock audits to prep the facility for a real one.
  • Inquire whether they will submit a report on the findings of the risk assessment. Check if the compliance policies and approach will be tailored to the unique circumstances and demands of the client.
  • Ask upfront how the compliance services will help the facility in the long run and what the compliance professional will do should the DEA registrant face subpoena or investigation.
  • Seek references and check them carefully, especially pertaining to the quality of remedial solutions. Ask previous clients if the DEA compliance service could actually help them avoid penalties or revocation of license. While at it, check if it is easy to do business with the provider during the period of engagement.

Apart from the credentials and services, the mark of an erstwhile DEA agent or investigator will go a long way in convincing the current DEA diversion investigators and federal law enforcement agents that everything is above board. This is why many DEA registrants choose to place their trust in the Titan Group. The expert team of ex-DEA agents is well-versed with all the aspects of all the requirements – ranging from DEA registration renewal to handling an audit and everything in between. The name itself inspires a belief that everything will be in order and does not warrant more than a cursory check!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Compliance Provisions for Hiring People with Access to Controlled Substances

It is not just the DEA registrant who is subject to strict regulations. The provisions also extend to staff members who will have access to the controlled substances. Those convicted for felony are barred forever. Everyone is well aware that the manufacture, distribution, administering and dispensing of controlled substances is subject to a bevy of federal, state and local regulations. The DEA controlled substance regulations itself are very exacting and the federal agency keeps strict tabs on all those entities who deal with such substances. The rules encompass even the hiring of staff who will administer, dispense or otherwise come in contact with the controlled substances. Indeed, healthcare providers and other entities are bound to carefully screen new employees and other staff members. However, they also have to run a criminal background check for those positions that will have access to controlled substances. Along with this, they should review the OIG (Office of the Inspector G...

Beware of Scammers Posing as DEA Agents

Scammers are impersonating DEA employees to defraud and extort DEA license holders through fake narratives of abusing controlled substances. People should be on their guard as the tactics are convincing. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) maintains constant oversight over the supply and usage of scheduled drugs in the country. They enforce the DEA controlled substance regulations while keeping track of registered healthcare practitioners and pharmacists who prescribe, administer and dispense these drugs. Unscrupulous scamsters are using these regulations in innovative ways to swindle unsuspecting physicians and other DEA registrants. The scams have been taking place on and off since years and follow a similar format to a large extent. The fraudster usually calls the victim impersonating as a DEA agent. They may provide the name of a well-known DEA agent or use fake names and badge numbers. They may even quote the target’s Social Security Number or state license number while sta...

Changes Regarding DEA Application Regulations

Those applying for DEA registration and existing registrants have to keep abreast of the changes in the regulations to ensure that they do not run afoul even unintentionally on any occasion. The U.S. law clearly mandates that every physician, nurse, veterinarian or pharmacist that prescribes, administers or dispenses controlled substances should have a controlled substance license registration issued by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Any person can apply for the DEA license using the DEA Form 224. Manufacturers, distributors, researchers, importers and exporters should use DEA Form 225. Complete instructions accompany the forms. These forms are available on the DEA website and could also be obtained by contacting the DEA field office or headquarters. However, since May last year, the DEA regulations have been amended to require all applications for both DEA new registration and renewal to be submitted online only. Indeed, from 11th May, 2022, the DEA has stopped ac...