Skip to main content

What Does DEA Compliance Training Entail?

DEA registrants and their employees have to understand the regulations and requirements set forth by the DEA. Training will equip them to handle controlled substances safely and in a compliant manner.

Any clinic, hospital, pharmacy or other healthcare facility that handles controlled substances requires DEA compliance training for sure. While this is not mandatory by law, on a practical front it ensures that all the staff members are well aware of applicable regulations and can work to ensure complete compliance at all times.

DEA compliance service providers offer a suite of services that include training packages as well. There are various programs like general compliance training, drug diversion training, safeguarding controlled substances, how to conduct mock DEA audits and more. These could be online or offline.
 


While every training program will vary in terms of the content base, the topics that are usually covered are:


  • Overview of DEA regulations: The program will first acquaint the trainees with the need for controlled substance regulations before introducing the Controlled Substances Act of the federal government. They will learn the different DEA regulations that are in place apart from the role of the DEA in regulating controlled substances.
  • Classification of controlled substances: The staff will be familiarized with the five specific schedules of controlled substances and their associated requirements. This will prepare them for handling the applicable regulations accordingly.
  • Recordkeeping requirements: The DEA regulations mandate that the DEA registrant should maintain clear and complete records of all the controlled substances in their possession. Apart from inventory, dispensing and disposal records, prescription records are also required. In addition to recordkeeping regulations, the employees will also be educated about the different forms to be used for different purposes related to controlled substances.
  • Security requirements: The DEA regulations are very strict and specific when it comes to securing the storage of controlled substances. The training module will give the staff knowledge on not just how to store, but also how to handle and disposethese substances in the appropriate and safe manner.
  • Audit procedures: The DEA conducts regular inspections and investigations– both announced and unannounced. The training will familiarize them with what to expect during a DEA audit/investigation, how to prepare for it and how to respond appropriately.

Then there are other courses about proactive measures to protect against drug diversion, etc.

A DEA registrant should look for certain parameters when booking a training program for himself/herself or the staff:

  • It should be customized to the specific needs of the organization or at least designed explicitly for the registrant’s type of organization.
  • It is preferable if the controlled substance training is approved by a third-party expert and conducted by former DEA agents who have inside knowledge of the authority.
  • The training should be ongoing with regular updates that will keep the employees updated with the changes in DEA requirements so that they can continue to maintain full compliance.

Ensuring that the training program is engaging and well-designed is crucial!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more