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.
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:
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.
Top 5 OSHA Inspection Failures For Veterinarians
Running a veterinary practice isn’t just about delivering top-quality animal care — it requires managing a complex web of regulatory requirements to protect your staff, clients, and facility. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance is critical and non-negotiable. Failing to meet OSHA standards can result in hefty fines, reputational damage, or worse — harm […]
Diversion comes in many forms
The more you can identify, the lower your facilities risk. Facilities handling controlled substances face the risk of diversion in various forms. Recognizing potential diversion helps to minimize these risks and maintain safety. Some vulnerabilities are unavoidable, but identifying them ensures better protection. Common Diversion Indicators During internal investigations, diversion may present itself as: During […]
Why Would My Facility Be Inspected?
You don’t necessarily need to be in the wrong for the DEA to show up at your facility for an inspection. Below are just a few reasons that knock may happen,
and you will want to be prepared.