In 2005, the Department of Comparative Medicine underwent an audit by Audit and Advisory Services. The focus of the audit was compliance with Federal and State regulations and OHSU policies and procedures concerning controlled substances. While the audit found that internal controls over the administration of controlled substances were adequate, it was noted that controlled substances are purchased under the Director's personal DEA license. These drugs are then dispensed to investigators engaged in animal research. This system of dispensing controlled substances places university veterinarians at risk for possible scrutiny by the DEA; loss of their DEA license, the license to practice veterinary medicine, or both; and/or criminal prosecution.

In order to best respond to the recommendations of the audit and to ameliorate the risk presented to the veterinarians under the current system of dispensing controlled substances, DCM will no longer be dispensing controlled substances to investigators as of January 1, 2008. The following is a partial list of DEA controlled substances commonly dispensed by DCM to investigators: buprenorphine (Buprenex), butorphanol, codeine, Cocktail (mouse, rat, guinea pig, and others), diazepam (Valium), euthanasia solution, ketamine, midazolam (Versed), pentobarbital, Telazol. Principle Investigators will need to obtain individual DEA licenses in order to obtain these agents. PIs and members of their laboratories will then be able to purchase controlled substances directly from vendors or from the Central Pharmacy. As DEA registrants, PIs will also be responsible for the proper storage and recordkeeping as required by Federal law.

Non-controlled substances, such as antibiotics and isoflurane, and supplies, such as gauze and catheters, will still be available through the DCM Order Line at 4-2481. Portable anesthetic machines will also be available through the Order Line.

DCM is committed to facilitating a PI's acquisition of a DEA license, obtaining controlled substances, and compliance with Federal regulations. Below is an informational packet that describes in detail how to obtain a DEA license, how to order controlled drugs, and how to properly store and maintain records on controlled substances. DCM veterinarians will be available throughout the next few months to assist PIs in transitioning away from DCM-dispensed controlled substances. Contact information is listed in Part IV of the packet. Having PIs obtain and use their own DEA licenses will allow OHSU to maintain best practices and a higher level of integrity in the use of controlled substances in animal research.

DEA Licensing Transition Program

Application for DEA License

Pharmacy Order Sheet

Application for Butler Account

Last modified on 09/14/2007 by rdaweb@ohsu.edu