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 procedures, and evaluated their controlled substance management practices.
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, processes that were once intentional can become assumptions. That’s where the value of an experienced, external reviewer becomes critical. Regulatory compliance is not just about […]
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 concerning trend: the increasing presence of medetomidine, a veterinary sedative, in the illegal drug supply.
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 risk, noncompliance, or diversion. Understanding what can prompt an inspection allows organizations to spot vulnerabilities early and strengthen their compliance posture before regulators come knocking. […]
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 sends paper renewal notices, and every reminder, every… single… one…is now delivered exclusively by email. This shift means your ability to stay compliant depends on […]
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 officials are expanding their focus not only on illicit narcotics but on how legally used medical and veterinary drugs may be implicated, directly or indirectly, in the broader drug market and public health response.
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 that often slips under the radar is when an inspection can happen. The short answer? Any time. And that’s not an exaggeration.
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 does not loosen federal control—it completes it.
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 DEA does not publish an annual “Top 10” violation list, but inspection trends consistently reveal the same weak points year after year.