What is a DEA License? | What does a DEA license allow?

To work in a medical treatment facility in the health industry, 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 screening, but particular healthcare providers within a treatment facility will need a DEA license. Read on to understand what a DEA registration number is, how to get one, and what it allows.

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When a healthcare professional has a DEA license, he or she can prescribe and administer controlled chemical 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 substances will need to be licensed.

Defining the DEA

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. Since healthcare workers have access to controlled substances, they must be screened to ensure they will use these substances legally only.

Getting a DEA Registration Number

It is a simple process to get a DEA license. A health provider needs to first ensure they meet the licensing requirements of the state, then they can apply for DEA registration (licensing). With the application for registration, they must submit the application fees, which are non-refundable. 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.

Who Needs a DEA Registration?

A DEA license or registration is needed by anyone working in healthcare that prescribes or administers drugs that are labeled as controlled chemical substances. Some controlled substances that may need to be prescribed are:

Controlled Chemical Substances

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

The jobs in which medical practitioners would need a DEA license are physicians, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, dentists, and even veterinarians. In all of these positions, a controlled substance is 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. A DEA License Denial Lawyer can help you appeal any denial and hopefully obtain with ease the license or registration that means so much for your career. An attorney will show the care you need in taking care of your case.

Can You Practice Without a DEA License?

If you are wondering if;  Can you practice without a DEA license?, there are some things you should learn about a DEA license. Those who are required to have one must a DEA license or they will not be allowed to prescribe medications. Basically, a DEA license, DEA registration and a DEA number are the same thing. You fill out an application for registration online.

What the DEA Does

The Drug Enforcement Administration or the DEA is a branch of the U.S. government. It is also a law enforcement arm. The purpose of the agency is to enforce all controlled substance regulations and so prevent drug trafficking, lower abuse of drugs and lower the death rate from the use of drugs. This organization not only addresses organizations that grow, manufacture or distribute illegal drugs, but also they regulate and license prescription drug distribution. They do whatever research is necessary to track down offenders.

Jobs that Require a Drug Enforcement Agency Number

A DEA license means that you have been approved to prescribe controlled substances. Once you have the license, you can prescribe certain medications to patients. If you are going to work at a medical treatment facility, you will most likely need to be screened and get such a license in certain jobs. You get your registration online with the Drug Enforcement Agency.  There are particular jobs within the medical community that require a DEA license. Below are some of them:

• Physicians: Obviously, a physician will need a DEA license as in his or her practice, prescribing medications is a key duty. This applies whether they are in residency or not.

• Nurses: A nurse not only must get a state license to practice and go through a credentialing process, but he or she must also get a DEA license in order to prescribe medications, namely controlled substances which are subject to strict regulations.

• 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 chemical substances and so must register with the DEA for a license.

• Pharmacists: Pharmacists, of course, dispense medications and advise patients on dosages, etc. in their pharmacy. They must be in legal compliance with the DEA, like any doctor or nurse.

• 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. The person prescribing these substances will need to be approved for registration with the DEA.

How to Get Your Drug Enforcement Agency Registration

Any provider in the health industry who will deal with controlled substances will need to get a DEA license or DEA number. This is how to obtain one.

• You must meet state licensing requirements, such as having a license to practice medicine.
• Register with the Drug Enforcement Administration by filling out a DEA Form 224.
• Pay the fees required for registration with the DEA.
• Renew the license as required.

Legal Assistance if Denied a DEA License

If you have applied for a DEA registration and been denied, it’s not hopeless. You always have a chance to appeal any decision. Hire a DEA License Denial Lawyer to get the best chance of getting your license or registration.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Drug Enforcement Agency Number?

So, many inquire 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 they license those who need to do that for their patients. Getting a DEA registration or a DEA number becomes vital for those that prescribe as part of their duties. You get your registration approved and you then have license to prescribe.

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 the right to prescribe or distribute a controlled substance or medication. You can apply for your registration online and it is kept confidential for your safety.

Applying for the DEA License

You can apply for your DEA license / DEA number online at the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration. There are six sections that the registrant is required to complete when filling out the registration form with information on 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 registration when your state license to practice is active. Applications must contain complete information.

It takes about 30 minutes to fill out the application, and it will take four to six weeks to get 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 application is filled out in its entirety. Also be sure to sign and date it. It is required that your fee must be included.

Application Renewal

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

Legal Assistance When Needed

It can happen that upon applying for a DEA license, you get a denial in registration. This means that the DEA is refusing for some reason to permit you to prescribe controlled substances. There are a number of reasons that DEA refusal might occur. But realize you can ask for help in appealing this decision and obtaining your controlled substance registration. Call a DEA License Denial Lawyer right away for assistance in getting your registration from the DEA approved. An attorney has the resources, information, and care to ensure your interests are protected.