Controlled Substances and DEA Regulations Flashcards

A prescriber's DEA registration number is BC3234649. To verify it is valid using the check-digit method, what should the sum of the digits equal (mod 10)?

Answer: The last digit of the number (9)

DEA check digit: add digits 1+3+5, then add 2×(digits 2+4+6). Sum both. The last digit of the total should match the 7th digit of the DEA number. For BC3234649: (3+3+6)=12; 2×(2+4+4)=20; 12+20=32 → last digit 2? This example is illustrative — the principle is that the check digit confirms authenticity.

A partial fill of a Schedule II prescription is permitted under which circumstance?

Answer: If the pharmacist cannot supply the full quantity; the remainder must be filled within 72 hours

Schedule II partial fills are allowed when the full quantity is unavailable; the balance must be dispensed within 72 hours. LTCF/terminally ill patients may have 60 days under special rules.

Under the Ryan Haight Act, prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine typically requires:

Answer: At least one in-person evaluation before prescribing via telemedicine

The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act (2008) generally requires at least one in-person medical evaluation before a practitioner may prescribe controlled substances via the internet.

A pharmacy technician discovers 10 oxycodone tablets missing during a routine count. The pharmacist should first:

Answer: Document the discrepancy, investigate, and notify the DEA if theft is confirmed (Form 106)

Pharmacies must investigate controlled substance discrepancies. If theft or significant loss is confirmed, DEA Form 106 must be submitted; some states also require notification to state boards.

Which statement about Schedule III–V prescriptions is CORRECT under federal law?

Answer: They may be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months (III/IV); Schedule V may be refilled as authorized

Schedules III and IV may be refilled ≤5 times within 6 months of the issue date. Schedule V refills are governed by state law but may be more permissive. Schedules III–V can be phoned in.

The DEA requires a biennial (every 2 years) inventory of all controlled substances on which date?

Answer: Any date within 2 years of the previous inventory, on or close to the biennial anniversary

The DEA requires a biennial inventory taken within 2 years of the previous inventory. Many pharmacies choose a fixed date near their DEA registration anniversary for convenience.