What is the responsibility of pharmacies regarding the Drug Enforcement Administration?

Pharmacies have a critical role in adhering to regulations set by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). One of the primary responsibilities involves registering with the DEA and maintaining accurate records of controlled substances. This includes ensuring that all transactions involving controlled substances—such as receiving, dispensing, and distributing—are meticulously documented. This record-keeping is essential for tracking the use of these drugs and preventing misuse or diversion.

By maintaining these records, pharmacies contribute to the overall monitoring of controlled substances in the healthcare system, which helps to combat issues like drug abuse and illegal trafficking. Registration with the DEA is also crucial because it legally permits a pharmacy to handle controlled substances, ensuring compliance with federal laws.

While reporting suspicious orders and filing annual reports may be activities that pharmacies participate in, they are secondary to the fundamental requirement of registration and ongoing record maintenance. Conducting inspections is not typically the responsibility of pharmacies but rather is undertaken by the DEA or other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.