Controlled Substance Administration

Any "registrant" is required to keep records and inventories. The type of records required depends on the "activity" category. (e.g. – manufacturer, dispenser, researcher) [21 CFR §1304.03]

1. A “registered individual practitioner” is required to keep records of controlled substances which are dispensed [21 CFR §1304.03(b)] or administered [21 CFR §1304.03(d)].
2. Federal regulations do NOT require records of controlled substances that are prescribed, however State regulations require a record of all prescribed medications, including dose, frequency and quantity in the patient medical record. (e.g. – written/electronic prescription filled by a pharmacy) [21 CFR §1304.03(c) ; 16 CCR §2032.3; 16 CCR §2032.2]

1. Each registered individual practitioner must keep the following two separate and distinct records: [21 CFR §1304.04(g)]
   
   1. One set of all Schedule I and II controlled substances, [21 CFR §1304.04(f)(1)] and,
   2. One set of all Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances. [21 CRF §1304.04(f)(2)]
2. Records must be kept for at least 2 years from the date of each inventory or record [21 CFR §1304.04(a)] OR 3 years from the date of the animal’s last visit [21 CCR §2032.3(b)], whichever is greater, and must be available for inspection and copying by authorized Drug Enforcement Administration or Board personnel.

1. Each registered location must contain a complete and accurate record of all controlled substances on hand at the registered location and indicate whether the inventory was as of "close of business" or "opening of business." [21 CFR §1304.11(a)]
   1. An initial inventory must be taken on the date the registrant first commences practice at the registered location. [21 CFR §1304.11(b)]
   2. After the initial inventory, a new and complete inventory must be taken every two years (biennially). [21 CFR §1304.11(c)]
   3. Shipping/purchase records must be kept showing the number of units of finished forms and/or commercial containers acquired from other persons, including the name, address and registration number of the person (e.g. – sales receipts from drug vendors) [21 CFR §1304.22(a)(2(iv)];
2. Veterinarians treating patients must maintain records specified in 21 CFR §1304.11(e)(3).
   1. Veterinarians are "dispensers" for the purposes of complying with Federal Controlled Substances requirements. [B&P §4024]
   2. The inventory shall include: [21 CFR §1304.11(e)(1)(iii)]
      1. The name of the substances,
      2. Each finished form (e.g. – 10 mg tab or 10 mg/ml)
      3. The number of units or volume of each finished form e.g. – 100 tablet bottles or 3 ml vials)
      4. The number of commercial containers of each finished form (e.g. – pack of 4 100-tablet bottles, or pack of six 3-ml vials)
   3. For any other controlled substances not included above (e.g. – expired drugs): [21 CFR §1304.11(e)(iv)]
      1. The name of the substance,
      2. The total quantity of the substance to the nearest metric unit weight or the total number of units of finished form; and
      3. The reason the substance is being maintained by the registrant and whether such substance is capable of use in the manufacture of any controlled substances in finished form.

1. Every registrant is required to keep records of each controlled substance that is dispensed, administered or disposed of, in any manner. [21 CFR §1304.21(a)]
2. Practicing veterinarians are classified as dispensers. [21 CFR §1304.22(c)] and must keep records (i.e. – the Controlled Drug Log) for each controlled substance in finished form that include:
   1. The name of each substance [21 CFR §1304.22(a)(2)(i);
   2. Each finished form and the number of units or volume of finished form [21 CFR §1304.22(a)(2)(ii)];
   3. The number of units of finished forms and/or commercial containers acquired from other persons, including the name, address and registration number of the person (e.g. – sales receipts from drug vendors) [21 CFR §1304.22(a)(2(iv)];
   4. The number of commercial containers distributed to other persons, including the name, address and registration number of the person [21 CFR §1304.22(a)(2)(vii)];
   5. The number of units of finished forms and/or commercial containers distributed or disposed of (e.g. – expired drugs) in any other manner [21 CFR §1304.22(a)(2)(ix)];
   6. The number of units or volume of such finished form dispensed, including: [21 CFR §1304.22(c)]
      1. The number of units or volume of such finished form dispensed;
      2. The name and address (or client identification number) of the person to whom it was dispensed.
      3. The date of dispensing;
      4. The number of units or volume dispensed;
      5. The name or initials of the person dispensing or administering the substance on behalf of the registrant.
3. The medical record must include the dosage, quantity and frequency of all drugs dispensed or administered. [16 CCR §2032.3(a)(8,12)]

1. The prescriber must:
   1. Possess a valid California Veterinary License
   2. Have a DEA registration in his or her own individual name (unless institutional)
   3. Be properly registered with CURES (https://www.aaicures.com/)
2. Prescriptions for CII controlled drugs can only be submitted in written form on a California compliant secure prescription form printed by a California Department of Justice licensed secure printer
   1. No refills may be authorized for CII controlled drugs. A new prescription is required for any additional CII controlled drugs prescribed.
   2. Oral or electronic prescriptions are not allowed for CII drugs unless in an emergency. A written prescription must follow to the pharmacist within seven (7) days of an emergency oral prescription.
3. Prescriptions for CIII-V controlled drugs can be in written form using a California compliant secure prescription form. Prescriptions may also be submitted orally or electronically (faxed) to the pharmacist. The pharmacist will reduce the oral or electronic order into a written prescription.
   1. Refills are allowed for up to 5 refills in a six (6) month period or not more than 120-day supply (whichever comes first) of CIII-V controlled drugs.
4. California state regulations require a record of all prescriptions of any type to become a part of the patient's medical record. Complete detail of the prescription must be kept in the patient's history for a period of three (3) years. Information must include the medication prescribed, dose, frequency, quantity ordered, and refills authorized. [CCR 2032.2(a)]

1. All Schedule II, III, and IV substances which are dispensed must be reported weekly to the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System ("CURES"). [B&P §4170; Health & Safety Code §11190]
2. The CURES log must contain:
   1. The prescriber’s name, address, telephone number, State license number and DEA number;
   2. Date of dispensing;
   3. Numeric quantity of controlled substance dispensed;
   4. Drug name;
   5. National Drug Code (NDC) number;
   6. Strength of the prescription (e.g. – 10 mg tab, 10 mg/ml);
   7. Client’s full name;
   8. Client’s date of birth;
   9. Client’s gender code;
   10. Client’s address;
   11. Animal patient’s name;
   12. Reporting Month/Year;
   13. Date submitted.
3. Prescriptions submitted to outside pharmacies for controlled substances to be filled should NOT be reported to CURES. The pharmacist (who is the ultimate dispenser) is responsible for the CURES reporting.
4. Theft & Loss
   1. A registrant must report the "significant" theft or loss of any controlled substance within one business day of discovery of the theft or loss to the local Field Office of the DEA. [21 CFR §1301.76(b)] For questions concerning how to report lost or stolen prescription pads or forms, please contact the Security Prescription Program at SecurityPrinter@doj.ca.gov.

No, but you are limited to administration and dispensing only. You cannot prescribe for controlled substances without your own individual DEA registration.

Yes, the DEA requires a separate DEA registration for each principle place of business or professional practice where controlled substances are stored or dispensed by a person.

Yes, as long as both are properly registered with the DEA

1. Transfers for CIII-V controlled drugs may be made via an invoice and should appear in the drug logs of both practitioners as to where the drugs went and where they came from. The invoice should include the names, contact information and DEA registration numbers of the shipper and receiver, the name, strength, quantity, form and schedule of the controlled substance being transferred and the date of the transfer, along with the date and quantity transferred. Transfers for CII controlled drugs must in addition to invoice, be accompanied by a DEA 222 Form issued by the receiving practitioner. Transfers should be limited to no more than 10% of the practitioner’s normal volume of the normal drug inventory.
2. Transfers for CII controlled drugs must in addition to invoice, be accompanied by a DEA 222 Form issued by the receiving practitioner.
3. Transfers should be limited to no more than 10% of the practitioner’s normal volume of the normal drug inventory. Transfers for CII controlled drugs must in addition to invoice, be accompanied by a DEA 222 Form issued by the receiving practitioner.
4. Transfers should be limited to no more than 10% of the practitioner’s normal volume of the normal drug inventory.

A list of controlled drugs and their classifications can be found here.

The only method is by reverse distribution using a licensed reverse distributor. Controlled drugs cannot be returned to the prescribing or dispensing veterinarian for disposal. End users must dispose of unwanted or expired controlled drugs by various drug take back programs. DEA registrants cannot use drug takeback programs for disposal of expired or unwanted controlled drugs.

Only licensed individuals that are veterinarians (DVMs), registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) or hold a veterinary assistant controlled substance permit (VACSP). Once a controlled substance is in a finished form (bottled and labeled to go home) it may be handled by a veterinary assistant or receptionist during the transaction to an owner.

Pharmacies software systems use a DEA number in lieu of a NPI (National Provider Identifier number). Veterinarians are not eligible for a NPI number and the pharmacy software systems used will not allow the pharmacist to fill any prescription without one of these numbers.