The best way to handle the DEA is to employ ex-DEA agents! Indeed, compliance consultants who can draw on their erstwhile experience with the federal agency can help DEA registrants to play by the book!
Every physician or pharmacist who prescribes, dispenses or administers controlled substances has to mandatorily get registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This is in good stead as the scheduled drugs can prove to be very risky should they fall into the wrong hands.
The DEA maintains strict control over everyone who handles these CSA controlled substances and nothing can escape the vigilant eye of the officers and agents. Registrants are subject to a host of regulations and procedures followed by regular inspections and audits. Even the slightest or most inadvertent of violations can land the registrant in hot water!
It is often said that once the DEA gets into a practice or pharmacy, it is almost impossible to get them out. Therefore, the best way to keep them out is to follow each and every rule and regulation to the last letter. But as we all know; this is easier said than done. The challenges may seem insurmountable with the rules confusing the smartest of heads. Not to mention that the regulations are changed quite frequently.
However, the DEA itself reports that the most common violations pertain to the simple stuff – like inferior and incomplete record keeping or improper disposal of controlled substances.
Staying on the Safe Side
The best bet is to have a professional compliance consultant on the rolls who can guide and ensure that everything is above board at all times. It will be even better if the expert consultant has first-hand experience as a DEA agent as they will bring a comprehensive understanding of the legalities and procedures to the table.
Engaging such a professional will open up a suite of services for staying on the beat with all aspects of DEA compliance. This begins from securing and maintaining the license and encompasses managing the DEA order forms, drug inventory and record keeping along with proper security on the premises. In fact, the agent will make an in-depth study of the registrant’s facility and operations before providing a detailed report accompanied by proactive suggestions for meeting the compliance obligations on an ongoing basis.
The staff will be engaged in controlled substance training to familiarize them with the varied requirements of the laws apart from schooling them on how to follow the same. The team will conduct mock audits and investigations on a regular basis to drill the staff about what to expect and how to comply with the obligations. The simulations and preparations will also ensure that all procedures are in place and no unexpected violations can crop up when the DEA actually strikes!
In sum, the burden of compliance becomes an easier cross to bear with the right assistance. The compliance consultants will foster a culture of compliance that can withstand the toughest of DEA scrutiny!
