Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 10:24 pm

Take a moment, picture this – you’re at the helm of a bustling pharmacy, dispensing, administering, or supplying controlled substances – all above board. Establishments like yours are mandated by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to register with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Simple enough, right?

But here’s where your favorite legal superhero Todd Spodek from Spodek Law Group enters the scene. He wants to ensure you’re not caught off guard when the DEA shows up at your door, seemingly out of the blue, for an audit. Yes, that’s right—DEA audits might seem routine, but these enforcement drills could potentially turn into admin nightmares if violations pop up.

Three to Five Years and They’re Back

Let’s kick things up a notch. You’re a practitioner, and voila – the DEA’s back at your door every three years. Or maybe you’re part of a narcotic treatment program, in which case they’ll check on you every five years. Either way, it’s crucial you know what you’ve signed up for.

Remember, a diligent pharmacy like yours needs to play by the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) rules. Why’s that? Picture this – you can only use Schedule III, IV, or V narcotic medications like buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone under the watchful eye of a qualified physician. And rest assured the DEA’s keeping count with a sharp eye.

Audits are More than a Numbers Game

So, D-day arrives, and the audit kicks off – but don’t be fooled! The DEA isn’t just rifling through files for numbers. Nope, audits are a comprehensive drill including a meticulous surveillance of controlled substances. Also, here’s a word of advice—report any losses or thefts straightaway to the local DEA office.

By the way, immediately doesn’t mean after a weekend retreat—it means within one business day. That ticking clock is, well, ticking! If you find yourself with a Letter of Admonition after an audit, respond to it is just as quickly – within 30 days, specifically.

A National Crisis Raises the Stakes

Now here’s where everyone’s eyebrows really shoot up. We’re in the midst of a national crisis with the opioid epidemic. Naturally, the DEA’s focusing its efforts on controlling damage where it can. Substances under scrutiny during the audit include hydrocodone, oxycodone, clonazepam, codeine, morphine, and lorazepam, among others. Needless to say, the DEA doesn’t appreciate casual relations with Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances.

Expect the Unexpected

Listen, there’s more to audits than inspecting controlled substances. The DEA checks stuff like patient records and dispensing patterns for new patients, patients with frequent refills, chronic pain patients, even cash-paying clients. Unsurprisingly, the DEA might be curious about your business practices too. You can’t blame them for being thorough, can you?

Legal Jokes Aside, Legal Aid is Critical

“But why do I need legal help?” you might inconveniently ask. Todd Spodek knows the drill – if the DEA shows up, it might just be a sign of a brewing storm. Minor errors can potentially escalate to major investigations and allegations that nobody really wants to deal with. That’s where a nifty legal representation comes in to save the day.

Know Your Rights

Remember, the DEA can’t simply waltz into your healthcare practice and conduct a search without a warrant or your consent. Even if they ask for consent, you have every right to refuse. Just understand that refusing doesn’t prevent them from later obtaining a warrant.

No, it’s not easy to stay calm and composed when faced with a DEA audit. It’s a downright nerve-wracking experience. But take a deep breath, because Todd Spodek and Spodek Law Group have got your back.

Having a thorough plan in place and the backing of a dependable legal aid like Attorney Todd Spodek’s team will certainly put you in a more comfortable position. With Spodek Law Group, not only do they fight tooth and nail for your rights but also offer you the much-needed peace of mind during these challenging audits. So, go ahead, navigate those legal waters with confidence—after all you’re not in it alone!