Professional License Defense
DEA Registration, Investigations & Administrative Defense
A DEA registration is a federal authorization to handle controlled substances, and it is separate from the state license that permits you to practise. Meridian Premier Counsel, PLC represents registrants and applicants in federal administrative proceedings affecting that registration.
Before Anything Else
A DEA Registration Is Not Your State License
A DEA registration is a federal authorization to handle controlled substances, issued under the Controlled Substances Act by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is separate from your state professional license, and the two are granted, examined, and acted on by different authorities under different law.
Because they are separate, a state board matter and a DEA matter can proceed on their own timelines. Action in one does not automatically resolve the other, though facts developed in one frequently become relevant to the other.
Not every licensed professional needs a DEA registration. It is required only for practitioners and entities that handle controlled substances within the scope of their practice, and many licensed professionals never hold one.
Some states additionally require their own controlled substance registration alongside the federal registration. New Jersey, for example, issues a state Controlled Dangerous Substances registration through the Division of Consumer Affairs, which is distinct from the federal DEA registration.
DEA administrative proceedings follow federal administrative procedure and have their own terminology, deadlines, and forum. An Order to Show Cause states the grounds alleged and the action proposed, and it carries a deadline for requesting a hearing.
Services
DEA Registration and Administrative Defense Services
From an initial application through a final order, and the compliance questions in between.
Initial DEA Registration Applications
Assistance with an initial application for a DEA registration, including the disclosure questions an application requires.
DEA Registration Renewals
Assistance with renewal applications and the disclosures that accompany them.
Application Issues and Proposed Denials
Representation where an application raises questions or where the agency proposes to deny a registration.
Regulatory Inquiries and Investigations
Representation during DEA inquiries, scheduled and unannounced inspections, and investigative contact with registrants.
Controlled Substance Compliance Matters
Review of recordkeeping, inventory, security, and ordering practices against the obligations that attach to a registration.
Orders to Show Cause
Representation in response to an Order to Show Cause proposing to deny, suspend, or revoke a registration.
Suspension Proceedings
Representation in proceedings to suspend a registration, including immediate suspension, which takes effect before a hearing is held.
Revocation Proceedings
Representation in proceedings to revoke a registration.
DEA Administrative Hearings
Preparation for and representation at an administrative hearing before a DEA administrative law judge.
Related Post-Decision Matters
Review of a final order, the obligations it imposes, and what further steps may be available or required.
Professional License Defense representation is available through defined stages of service. Contact our office to discuss your matter, the proposed scope of representation, and applicable fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
DEA Registration FAQs
No. They are separate authorizations from separate authorities. Your state professional license permits you to practise your profession; a DEA registration is a federal authorization to handle controlled substances within that practice. Losing or limiting one does not automatically do the same to the other, although each can become relevant to the other.
It is the document by which the agency states the grounds it relies on and the action it proposes to take against a registration or application. It carries a deadline for requesting a hearing, and that deadline is strict. It should be read carefully as soon as it arrives.
Federal law provides for immediate suspension in defined circumstances, which means a registration can be suspended before an administrative hearing takes place. These matters move quickly and are handled on their own track.
Only if your practice involves handling controlled substances. Many licensed professionals — including many healthcare professionals — never need one. Whether you do depends on your profession, your scope of practice, and what your practice actually involves.
This page describes categories of representation in federal administrative matters. It does not describe any particular proceeding, does not assert any outcome or record of outcomes, and is not legal advice. Deadlines in these matters are short and are stated in the document you receive.
If your matter also involves a state licensing board, see Professional License Defense. The two proceed separately and are often best addressed together.
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