Regulatory Readiness – Why Tribal Knowledge Isn’t Enough
In many veterinary clinics and smaller human healthcare practices, regulatory compliance isn’t always someone’s full-time job. More often than not, the responsibility of managing DEA, OSHA, or state specific regulations gets handed off as a secondary duty, given to the most organized person in the building, or the one who’s “done it before.” While this […]
When the DEA Registrant Changes – Why a Handshake Isn’t Enough
In the world of veterinary medicine, transitions happen. Doctors retire, move to different facilities, or shift roles. But when that individual holds the DEA registration used to order and manage controlled substances, the changeover is not business as usual – and certainly not as simple as handing over a clipboard and saying “good luck.” Let’s […]
Thefts and Significant Losses of Controlled Substances – Understanding Federal and State Reporting Requirements
Controlled substances are tightly regulated for a reason, they carry high potential for abuse, diversion, and misuse. When a theft or significant loss occurs, the risk to public health and facility liability increases significantly. That’s why both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and individual state authorities have stringent requirements for how registrants must respond when controlled substances go missing.
DEA Administrative Hearing Delays – What Registrants Need to Know and How to Prepare
Last week, federal registrants awaiting decisions on show cause orders, license suspensions, or denial appeals received troubling news: Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) John J. Mulrooney, II announced his retirement effective August 1, 2025. With his departure, the DEA’s Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) will have no available ALJs to preside over pending cases. As a result, all hearings have been postponed indefinitely.
The Hidden Price Tag – What Employee Injury Prevention Really Costs in Healthcare
When discussing workplace safety in healthcare, many organizations balk at the upfront costs of implementing robust injury and accident prevention strategies. Ergonomic adaptations, mental health support, environmental safety upgrades, they all carry a price tag. But here’s what’s too often missed: the cost of not investing in prevention is much higher. It’s a cost measured not only in dollars but in operational disruption, team morale, and long-term institutional trust.
Why Safety Policies Fail Without Accountability – The Hidden Risks of “Policy-Only” Compliance
When it comes to OSHA compliance, DEA-controlled substance management, or healthcare facility protocols, many organizations focus heavily on policy creation. They build thorough standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain extensive manuals, and assume that having documents in place equals being compliant. But here’s the harsh reality:
Preparing Employees for Heat – Hydration in Veterinary Healthcare Settings
In the world of veterinary medicine, not all healthcare workers are confined to the cool and controlled temperatures of indoor clinics. Equine practices, livestock medicine, mobile veterinary services, and in-home hospice care and euthanasia often place veterinary professionals outdoors and directly in the elements. As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illness. One of the most vital tools in preventing heat stress? Hydration.
First Impressions Matter! How Cleanliness and Organization Influence Regulatory Outcomes
When it comes to regulatory inspections, whether from OSHA, the DEA, or your local veterinary or medical board, the old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” couldn’t be more accurate. Inspectors walk into your facility not just to assess your records, but to gauge your overall culture of compliance. The moment they step through the door, they’re forming an impression of your team’s professionalism, preparedness, and respect for the rules that keep patients, employees, and medications safe.
What Is Compliance? More Than Just Rules, It’s Doing What’s Right
When people hear the word compliance, they often think of checklists, regulations, and avoiding fines. While compliance certainly includes following laws and regulatory standards like OSHA, DEA, and state health codes, it goes much deeper than just legal obligation. At its core, compliance is about doing the right thing, both legally and morally.
Understanding a DEA Order to Show Cause. What It Means and Why You Should Never Surrender Your Registration
Receiving an Order to Show Cause (OSC) from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can be alarming and overwhelming for any healthcare professional. It is a serious legal matter that signals the DEA’s intent to revoke, suspend, or deny your registration to handle controlled substances. But just as important as understanding the process is knowing how to respond—and what not to do.