The law permits a DEA registrant to change pertinent details in the DEA license at any time based on a prescribed format. Find out more about what can be changed and the procedure for doing the same.

The law requires that every person or entity who intends to prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances needs to obtain an express license from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Similarly, veterinarians need to obtain a veterinary DEA license for prescribing, administering or dispensing such medications to their animal patients.

The license can be obtained by applying to the federal authority through the DEA Form 224. It should be maintained on the premises in an easily retrievable manner and also renewed every three years.

The DEA license will specify the registrant’s name and place of business along with other details as approved by the licensing authority. The law allows for modifying these details by following the specified procedures.

Making changes in the registration

Any DEA registrant can choose to modify the DEA registration at any time. The modifications permitted are in terms of:

• Change in name of the DEA registrant (This is usually in case of marriage, divorce or a change by a court decree.)

• Change in DEA place of business and/or mailing address where the controlled substances are maintained, administered and/or dispensed. (This is applicable if the DEA registrant relocates to a new physical location.)

• Change in controlled substance schedules

• Change in drug codes

A written request has to be submitted to the Registration Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration for this purpose. The request should contain:

• The registrant's name, address and registration number as printed on the certificate of registration

• The new name, new address or new substances/schedules to be added to the registration

• Signature of the registrant

There is no fee for modification of registration. The modification request will be handled in the same manner as a fresh application. A DEA investigator may even require an in-person visit in response to a modification request.

If approved, the DEA will issue a new Certificate of Registration (DEA Form 223). The new certificate should be maintained along with the old certificate until expiration. If requested, new Schedule I or II order forms (DEA Form 222) will also be issued to the registrant.

P.S.: It is not just physicians, veterinarians, clinics or hospitals, but even manufacturers, distributors, reverse distributors, narcotic treatment programs and retail pharmacies can apply to modify their registration.

The best way forward

When it comes to applying for a new DEA license or DEA license veterinary, getting it renewed or executing certain modifications, the best approach is to engage the service of a third-party service provider. Expert compliance professionals – like The Titan Group - can not only assist with these procedures but can also ensure that the facility stays in full compliance of the rules and regulations at all times. They will take stock of the existing protocols and suggest changes even while preparing the staff for unannounced audits.