An Informational Outline of the Controlled Substances Act

2006 Edition

Joseph T. Rannazzisi
Deputy Assistant Administrator
Office of Diversion Control

Mark W. Caverly
Chief, Liaison and Policy Section

This manual has been prepared by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control, to assist practitioners (physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and other registrants authorized to prescribe, dispense, and administer controlled substances) in their understanding of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations as they pertain to the practitioner’s profession.

Table of Contents

Section I - Introduction

Disclaimer

Authorization for Public Dissemination

Message from DEA

Preface

Schedules of Controlled Substances

Schedule I Substances 

Schedule II Substances

Schedule III Substances

Schedule IV Substances

Schedule V Substances

Registration Requirements

Application for Registration

Certificate of Registration

Registration Renewals

Change of Business Address

Termination of Registration

Denial, Suspension or Revocation of Registration

Practitioner’s Use of a Hospital’s DEA Registration Number

Inappropriate Use of the DEA Registration Number

Exemption of Federal Government Practitioners from Registration

Required Controls

Safeguards for Prescribers

Recordkeeping Requirements

Inventory

Disposal of Controlled Substances

Prescription Requirements

Who May Issue

Purpose of Issue

Schedule II Substances

Refills

Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Substances

Facsimile Prescriptions for Schedule II Substances

Exceptions for Schedule II Facsimile Prescriptions

Schedule III-V Substances

Refills

Facsimile Prescriptions for Schedule III-V Substances

Telephone Authorization for Schedule III-V Prescriptions

Delivery of a Controlled Substance to Persons Outside the U.S.

Opioid (Narcotic) Addiction Treatment Programs

Appendix A CSA and CFR Definitions

Appendix B Questions and Answers

Appendix C Summary of Controlled Substances Act Requirements

Appendix D Internet Resources

Appendix E DEA Diversion Field Office Locations

Appendix F Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman

Appendix G Additional Assistance and Plain Language Statements

Appendix H DEA Forms

DEA Form 41 - Registrants Inventory of Drugs Surrendered

DEA Form 106 – Report of Theft or Loss of Controlled Substances

DEA Form 222 - U.S. Official Order Form for Controlled Substances

DEA Form 224 – Application for Registration

DEA Form 224a - Renewal Application for Registration

DEA Form 363 - Application for Registration Under the Narcotic Addict Treatment Act of 1974

DEA Form 363a – Renewal for Registration Under the Narcotic Addict Treatment Act of 1974

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