TITAN GROUP: Free Information Webinar: DEA Compliance: What Every Pharmacists Needs to Know

DEA Compliance 101: What Every Pharmacy Needs to Know

(This is a non-credit-bearing event)

This presentation is a foundational overview designed to help pharmacy professionals understand and navigate DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) compliance requirements when handling controlled substances in their practices. While originally framed for broader medical use, the guidance is highly relevant to Pharmacist-In-Charge due to the unique regulatory challenges they face.

Additionally, this session provides a focused look at how pharmacies can better manage controlled substances, prevent diversion, and stay compliant with DEA regulations. We’ll draw from national trends, recent case studies, and real-world operational insights.

Why It Matters

Pharmacist-In-Charge who prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances are legally responsible for following DEA regulations. Non-compliance can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges — and yes, pharmacies are being audited more often.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Describe how pharmacies typically handle controlled substances.
• Identify commonly diverted controlled and non-controlled substances in a pharmacy setting.
• Recognize recent trends in diversion activity across the U.S.
• Apply best practices for inventory, security, and documentation to minimize diversion risk.
• Analyze recent real-life diversion case studies for practical takeaways.

Topics To Be Covered:

DEA Registration

• Everyone who handles controlled substances must maintain an active DEA registration tied to their specific work location.

Storage & Security

• Keep all Schedule II–V drugs in a locked, substantially constructed cabinet.
• Restrict access to authorized personnel only.
• Consider security cameras and internal access logs.

Inventory & Recordkeeping

• Perform a biennial physical inventory (at minimum).
• Log all receipts, usage, transfers, and disposals.
• Records must be kept for at least 2 years and must be organized and accessible during audits.

Prescribing & Dispensing

• Only dispense controlled substances for a legitimate purpose.
• Clearly document:
  • Patient ID and diagnosis.
  • Drug name, dose, and directions.
  • Date, prescription dose, and label details.

Disposal

• Use DEA-authorized reverse distributors.
• Never throw in the trash or flush.
• Log all disposals with date, drug name, quantity, and method.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving keys to the drug cabinet accessible.
• Assuming pharmacies won’t get audited.
• Co-mingling drug stock between locations.

How Pharmacies Should Operate When it Comes To Handling Controlled Substances

• Types of controlled substances commonly used (e.g., ketamine, butorphanol, diazepam).
• Non-controlled drugs with high diversion potential (e.g., tramadol, gabapentin, euthanasia solutions).
• Typical inventory management and dispensing workflows.

Best Practices

• Document everything — if it’s not written down, it didn’t happen

Disposal methods (e.g., reverse distributors, DEA Take Back Days).

Secure storage (safes, alarms, limited-access areas).

Comprehensive recordkeeping: usage logs, reconciliations, discrepancy reports.

Implementing internal audits and random drug counts.

Staff education and DEA compliance training.