Who is authorized to sign a DEA 222 Form at a community pharmacy?

The correct response is that the pharmacist who signed the most recent application for renewal is authorized to sign a DEA 222 Form at a community pharmacy. The DEA 222 Form is essential for the ordering of Schedule I and II controlled substances, and it serves as an important regulatory tool to maintain control and accountability over these substances.

The authority to sign this form is specifically tied to the pharmacist who holds the responsibility for the pharmacy’s controlled substance management, which is typically indicated by signing the application for renewal. This ensures that the individual is not only licensed and compliant with the Drug Enforcement Administration regulations but is also recognized by the DEA as the operator responsible for managing controlled substances in that pharmacy.

In contrast, while a store manager may oversee pharmacy operations, they may not necessarily have the requisite licensure or be designated as the responsible party for controlled substances. The same principle applies to pharmacy technicians; they do not have the authority to sign official DEA documents. Allowing any licensed pharmacist in the pharmacy to sign the DEA 222 Form could lead to inconsistencies and potential misuse of controlled substances, as it would not ensure that accountability lies with a specific, recognized individual within the pharmacy's operations. Thus, limiting this authority to the pharmacist who signed the renewal application provides a