What is necessary for a pharmacy to operate a controlled substance treatment program?

To operate a controlled substance treatment program, a pharmacy must obtain a DEA registration under DEA 363. This specific registration is designed for entities that are involved in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders, particularly with the administration or dispensing of controlled substances classified under certain schedules, most commonly Schedule II or III medications in the context of addiction treatment.

The registration process under DEA 363 ensures that the pharmacy complies with federal regulations that govern the handling and distribution of controlled substances used in the treatment program, which includes accountability measures to prevent misuse or diversion of these medications. This registration is crucial, as it signifies that the pharmacy has met the necessary requirements to legally provide such treatment, ensuring safety for both the patients receiving care and the integrity of the drug distribution system.

Other registration forms serve different purposes: DEA 225 is for registering as a manufacturer or distributor, DEA 222 is for ordering controlled substances, and DEA 106 is used to report the theft or loss of controlled substances. None of these are suitable for setting up a treatment program, highlighting why DEA 363 is the appropriate choice.