How long does it take to get a DEA license?

When you have graduated from a medical program and are ready to start your job as a nurse practitioner or other medical personnel, you will need to be prepared to write prescriptions for medications. The privilege of writing a prescription comes from the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) as the DEA does the licensing for those who need to do that for their patients. Getting a license or DEA number becomes vital for those that prescribe as part of their duties. This registration is simple to accomplish if other requisites are in place. If you are wondering how long it will take to get your license, read on.

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The DEA license is permission for prescribing a controlled substance in a health care capacity. You must become registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration to earn this right. You can apply online to register with the DEA. The registration is relatively easy when done online.

Applying for DEA Registration

You can apply for your DEA license online at the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration. There are six sections that have to be completed with information you provide on your background, state license, business activity and prescribing schedules. Your state license would be the license you have in your state of residence to practice in that state. You can only apply for a DEA license when your state license to practice is active.

It takes about 30 minutes to fill out the application for registration, and it will take four to six weeks to get a reply with the license / DEA number. That time frame is only valid providing the application is complete. Ensure you get the fastest processing possible by making sure the DEA application is filled out in its entirety. Also be sure to sign and date it. You fee must be included to the DEA that will cover the registration.

Renewing Your Application

You can renew applications online as well. It must be done every three years. You can re-register not more than 60 days before the expiration date of your registration. You should get a notification by email that it is time to renew, and this should arrive about 65 days before the expiration date. If you have a change of address, this must be reported immediately upon the change to the DEA so they have this information.

Legal Assistance For Show Cause Orders

It can happen that upon applying for a DEA license or a DEA number, you get a denial. This means that the DEA is refusing for some reason to allow you the privilege of prescribing a controlled substance. There are a number of reasons that your registration might be denied. But realize you can ask for help in appealing this decision. Call a DEA License Denial Lawyer right away for assistance in gaining your registration approval.

What Does a DEA License Allow?

Many ask what does a DEA license allow?  To work in a medical facility, you may need to get a DEA screening and registration. It depends on the capacity in which you will be working. Any new hire will get a DEA screening, but particular healthcare providers within the facility will need a DEA license.

When a healthcare professional has a DEA license, he or she can prescribe and administer controlled substances. This is important for the person’s career as controlled substances are often needed by patients. The workplace will want to ensure they are compliant with all state and federal laws and are providing quality care to all patients, therefore anyone administering or prescribing any controlled substance will need to be licensed by the DEA and apply for the registration before prescribing any specific medications.

The DEA is the Drug Enforcement Administration, a law enforcement agency. It is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. government. The agency works to prevent drug trafficking, and stop the growing, manufacturing and distribution of illegal drugs. When they hear of something that could be an issue, they will search out any criminal actions taking place. Since healthcare workers have access to controlled substances, they must be screened to ensure they will use these substances legally only.

Application for a DEA Number

It is a simple process to get a DEA license. A health care provider needs to first ensure they meet the licensing requirements of the state, then they can apply for DEA registration (licensing). With the application, they must submit the application fees, which are non-refundable. You will be filling out DEA Form 224. Once this is done, a DEA license should be issued. If your application is denied, you can appeal. It is best appealed with an attorney at your side. An attorney can assist in getting your registration approved by providing an informative defense.

Who Needs a DEA License?

A DEA license is needed by anyone working in healthcare that prescribes or administers drugs that are labeled as controlled substances, including:

• Physicians: Obviously, a physician will need a DEA license as in his or her practice, prescribing medications is a key duty.
• Nurse Practitioners: These advanced registered nurses perform many duties, including administering medicine for patients.
• Physician Assistants: A PA is authorized to issue prescriptions for controlled substances and so must register with the DEA for a license.
• Pharmacists: Pharmacists, of course, dispense medications and advise patients on dosages, etc. They must be in legal compliance with the DEA, like any doctor or APP.
• Optometrists: These professionals not only do eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses. They also will prescribe medications to those who have eye diseases. They therefore must have a DEA license.
• Dentists: A dentist sometimes needs to administer a controlled substance to a patient, for example, pain pills. He therefore needs to have a DEA license to legally dispense controlled substances.
• Veterinarians: It doesn’t matter whether or not these professionals treat humans or animals, if controlled substances pass through their hands, they will need to be licensed to prescribe or administer them.

Some controlled substances that may need to be prescribed are:

• Cocaine
• Oxycodone
• Morphine
• Ritalin
• Vicodin
• Valium
• Xanax

The jobs in which a medical practitioner would need a DEA license are physicians, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, dentists, and even veterinarians. In all of these positions, controlled substances are often prescribed, administered or distributed (pharmacist). A DEA license ensures the person is registered and can be found and prosecuted if using the drugs illegally.

Finding an Attorney

Sometimes a person will apply for a DEA license and in the registration process is denied. This would be the time to find an attorney for a good defense. A DEA License Denial Lawyer can help you appeal any denial and hopefully obtain with ease the license that means so much for your career. You have the opportunity to show cause or in other words, prove that you should be able to obtain the license or if suspended, get it back.

What Crimes Do the DEA Investigate?

So, many wonder what crimes does the DEA investigate? The DEA or the Drug Enforcement Administration investigates all crimes and any fraud relating to illegal drug use. This not only includes drug trafficking, but also means that they look into illegal use of drugs in the medical field. Another example is when a provider has been excluded from participating in a Medicare or a Medicaid program. This would be a red flag.

The Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 when there was a huge rise in recreational drug use and much drug related crime. The administration is counted on to enforce controlled substances and their use in the US. They catch those who commit drug related crimes and prosecute them. Part of their duties is to monitor drugs that are manufactured and used legally and prevent these drugs being diverted to illegal markets.

DEA Responsibility in Healthcare

The DEA plays an important role in investigating health care fraud that involves prescription medication. They investigate and prosecute registered and non-registered entities and individuals in illegal prescribing of drugs under a number of federal statutes, both civil and criminal. They take whatever legal actions are necessary to stop violation of federal laws as soon as they can.

DEA License Holders

In the medical community, a doctor, nurse, or other provider often need to be able to prescribe medications.  In order to do so, they must obtain a DEA license which will permit them to prescribe controlled substances to their patients. This license is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the physician or nurse who has it must conform to certain rules and regulations. A DEA registration is vital for medical personnel who need to prescribe controlled substances.

Controlled Substances

A controlled substance is a chemical compound, single chemical or other drug or ingredient that has been identified as restricted by the state or by federal law. The law restricts who can use, possess, prescribe, transport, or manufacture these substances.

Criminal Actions Investigated

There are a number of criminal actions that the DEA will investigate when they have heard of something illegal going on. It could be reported by management, a patient or by another doctor. There can be very significant consequences for someone who is convicted of crimes under this license. Some of the actions investigated and for which criminal prosecution is pursued are the following:

• The sale of a controlled substance: Doctors and/or nurses have access to controlled substances and if they begin to sell them (also known as drug dealing), they are in for some harsh penalties. The same would apply to a pharmacy distributing drugs to those who don’t have legal prescriptions.

• Diversion of legal drugs to an illegal market:Pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other providers who supply controlled substances to those who don’t need them for medical reasons face stiff penalties.

• Falsification of prescriptions: This can come under the heading of diverting prescription medications and is a crime.

Legal Assistance

If you or your health care business or practice is being investigated by the DEA, it is a wise idea to hire an attorney to help you. You are entitled to a hearing when denied. If you are being denied a DEA license, a DEA License Denial Lawyer can help you gain your license so you can practice in the health industry. Your DEA registration is important to your career, so you should rely on an attorney to help if it is threatened. The defense he will provide will give you confidence you can keep your license. They can show how you remained in compliance with the rules and regulations when this was the case. An attorney at Chelle Law has the education, care, resources, and ability to protect your interests.