DEA DEA Controlled Substance Schedules 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many schedules of controlled substances does the DEA classify?
- Five schedules (I-V), based on medical use, abuse potential, and dependence liability (Correct answer)
- Three schedules
- Ten schedules
- Two schedules
Correct answer: Five schedules (I-V), based on medical use, abuse potential, and dependence liability
The Controlled Substances Act classifies drugs into five schedules: Schedule I (highest abuse potential, no accepted medical use) through Schedule V (lowest abuse potential, accepted medical use).
Question 2: What characterizes a Schedule I controlled substance?
- High abuse potential, no currently accepted medical use in the US, and lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision (Correct answer)
- Low abuse potential with medical use
- Available over the counter
- Only used in hospitals
Correct answer: High abuse potential, no currently accepted medical use in the US, and lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision
Schedule I substances (heroin, LSD, ecstasy, marijuana at federal level) have high abuse potential, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the US, and lack accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
Question 3: What is the difference between Schedule II and Schedule III substances?
- Schedule II has high abuse potential with accepted medical use; Schedule III has moderate abuse potential with accepted medical use (Correct answer)
- Schedule II is available without prescription
- They are identical classifications
- Schedule III is more restricted than Schedule II
Correct answer: Schedule II has high abuse potential with accepted medical use; Schedule III has moderate abuse potential with accepted medical use
Schedule II (oxycodone, fentanyl, methamphetamine) has high abuse potential leading to severe dependence, while Schedule III (anabolic steroids, ketamine, some codeine combinations) has moderate abuse potential with less severe dependence risk.
Question 4: What prescribing restrictions apply to Schedule II controlled substances?
- Written or electronic prescriptions required, no refills allowed, and limited supply (typically 90 days maximum) (Correct answer)
- No restrictions on prescribing
- Can be called in by phone anytime
- Unlimited refills are allowed
Correct answer: Written or electronic prescriptions required, no refills allowed, and limited supply (typically 90 days maximum)
Schedule II substances require a written or electronic prescription (no phone-in except emergencies), cannot be refilled (new prescription needed each time), and states may limit the quantity dispensed per prescription.
Question 5: What is the DEA registration number and who needs one?
- A unique identifier required for practitioners, pharmacies, hospitals, and researchers who handle controlled substances (Correct answer)
- A number given to all federal employees
- A tracking number for drug shipments only
- Only pharmacies need this number
Correct answer: A unique identifier required for practitioners, pharmacies, hospitals, and researchers who handle controlled substances
A DEA registration number is required for anyone who manufactures, distributes, dispenses, or conducts research with controlled substances, including physicians, pharmacists, hospitals, and researchers.
Question 6: What are the record-keeping requirements for controlled substances?
- Maintain accurate records of all receipts, disposals, and dispensing for at least 2 years, with separate records for Schedule II (Correct answer)
- No record keeping is required
- Only annual summaries are needed
- Records are only needed for Schedule I
Correct answer: Maintain accurate records of all receipts, disposals, and dispensing for at least 2 years, with separate records for Schedule II
DEA regulations require maintaining complete, accurate records of controlled substance transactions for at least 2 years, with Schedule II requiring separate records from Schedules III-V, including biennial inventories.
DEA DEA Controlled Substance Schedules 1
How many schedules of controlled substances does the DEA classify?