Blogs
The DEA PPAEMA Rule Is Now in Effect. A Couple Months Later, How Is Your Agency Doing?
The EMS industry spent much of the past year discussing the DEA’s final rule implementing the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act (PPAEMA). Agencies reviewed policies, attended webinars, updated
Assumptions vs. Evidence: Why External Evaluations Bring Value to Your Facilities Compliance Program
Organizations rarely set out to fall short on regulatory compliance. More often, gaps develop gradually, through routine, familiarity, and the natural tendency to rely on “what’s always worked.” Over time,
The Hidden Backbone of Veterinary Safety. Supporting Your Compliance Champion
In most veterinary facilities, there’s a role that doesn’t come with a formal title, a clear job description, or even dedicated time. It’s often quietly assigned, added onto an already
Why Veterinary Facilities Must Pay Attention to Medetomidine Misuse
The evolving landscape of illicit drug use continues to present new and complex public health challenges. A recent advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a
DEA Inspections Are Not the Only Regulatory Risk for Controlled Substance Management at Your Veterinary Facility
When people discuss controlled substance inspections, the conversation almost always centers around the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). While DEA oversight is critically important, it is a mistake for veterinary facilities
What Triggers a DEA Inspection? Key Factors Every Registrant Should Understand
A DEA inspection can feel intimidating, but in most cases, inspections don’t happen “out of the blue.” They’re usually triggered by internally identifiable signals, patterns, or reports that suggest potential
DEA Registrants, Is Your Email Address Up to Date?
For years, DEA registrants could rely on a predictable envelope arriving in the mailbox when it was time to renew. Those days are officially behind us. The DEA no longer
Maryland’s Fentanyl Response – Why Veterinary Practices and Ketamine Clinics Are in the Spotlight
In recent years, Maryland has been on the front lines of the national fentanyl overdose crisis. With synthetic opioids driving the majority of overdose deaths statewide, policymakers and public health
A Reminder for Veterinary Facilities, Your State Veterinary Board Can Inspect at Any Time
Most veterinary teams understand that their State Veterinary Board plays a crucial role in protecting public health, ensuring ethical practice, and maintaining high standards of animal care. But one detail
The Rising Cost of Noncompliance
As of July 2025, civil penalties tied to Controlled Substances Act (CSA) violations have reached historic highs, and the trend is unmistakable.
Cannabis Schedule III: The Illusion of Reform and the Reality of Federal Control
The push to move cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act is being celebrated as long-overdue reform. It is not. From a regulatory and enforcement standpoint, rescheduling cannabis
As 2025 Comes to an End, Let’s Take A Look Back at the Most Frequently Cited DEA Compliance Issues
As 2025 wraps up, it’s a perfect time for DEA registrants, especially those in veterinary medicine, to reflect on recordkeeping practices, storage procedures, and overall controlled-substance compliance. Unlike OSHA, the