DEA issues final rule on electronic filing

The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued revised regulations, effective May 31, that provide an electronic equivalent to the DEA official order form required for all distributions involving Schedule I and II controlled substances.

The regulations will allow—but not require—registrants to order Schedule I and II substances electronically and maintain the records of these orders electronically.

The new regulations appeared as a final rule in the April 1 Federal Register. They are expected to reduce paperwork and transaction times for DEA registrants who handle, sell, or buy Schedule I and II controlled substances.

The rule has no effect on clients' ability to receive prescriptions for controlled substances from veterinary hospitals, nor on their ability to have those prescriptions filled at pharmacies.

For additional information about the new regulations, contact Patricia M. Good, Chief, Liaison and Policy Section, Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington, D.C. 20537; phone, (202) 307-7297.