Why do some DEA registrants need to use DEA form 222 when ordering certain controlled substances? Let’s find out more about the ordering restrictions applicable to Schedule I and II drugs and why!
Controlled substances are subject to a host of regulations by the Controlled Substances Act. Executed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), they cover almost every dealing related to the controlled substances.
While specific DEA forms for controlled substances have been prescribed for varied purposes, not many DEA registrants may be aware that they need to use the DEA form 222 to order certain controlled substances from a pharmacy or other supplier. This is because the mandate for this form is limited to drugs falling under Schedule I and II only.
Now, Schedule I substances actually have no currently accepted medical use in the United States and cannot be prescribed or administered to any patient. These include heroin, marijuana, LSD, etc., that can solely be used by qualified and competent scientists for bonafide research purposes, and therefore, will be ordered by them only.
Schedule II substances – like morphine, opium and codeine - have a high potential for abuse with the possibility of severe psychological or physical dependence. Only DEA registrants that are specifically licensed to prescribe or administer these drugs can obtain them by using the DEA Form 222.
Delving deeper into Form 222
These forms have to be specifically requisitioned from the DEA by contacting any Division Office or the Registration Section of the Administration. Each requisition must specify the name, address and registration number of the registrant and the number of books of DEA Form 222 desired. It must be signed and dated by the same person who signed the most recent application for registration/reregistration, or by any person authorized to obtain and execute the said forms by a power of attorney.
However, the registrants will not be furnished with as many forms as they desire or request! The Authority imposes limits on the number of forms that will be issued to a registrant based on his/her business activity. Additional forms can be requested only by demonstrating a reasonable need for them.
All DEA Forms 222 will be serially numbered and issued with the name, address and registration number of the registrant, the authorized activity and schedules of the registrant. This information cannot be altered or changed by the registrant; any errors must be corrected by the Registration Section of the Administration by returning the forms with notification of the error.
The form has to be filled carefully and clearly – with a pen, indelible pencil or typewriter. Only one item must be entered on each numbered line. The name and address of the supplier from whom the controlled substances are being ordered must be entered - only one supplier may be listed on one form. It must be signed and dated by the authorized person only.
Furthermore, the controlled substance regulations also provide that forms that are not complete, legible, properly prepared or endorsed will not be executed!
