APhA Policy Manual

Controlled Substances Regulation and Patient Care

DRUG ABUSE, CONTROL AND EDUCATION FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND POLICIES LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, AND REGULATION PHARMACY PRACTICE

APhA encourages the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other regulatory agencies to recognize pharmacists as partners that are committed to ensuring that patients in legitimate need of controlled substances are able to receive the medications.
APhA supports efforts to modernize and harmonize state and federal controlled substance laws.
APhA urges DEA and other regulatory agencies to balance patient care and regulatory issues when developing, interpreting, and enforcing laws and regulations.
APhA encourages DEA and other regulatory agencies to recognize the changes occurring in health care delivery and to establish a transparent and inclusive process for the timely updating of laws and regulations.
APhA encourages the U.S. Department of Justice to collaborate with professional organizations to identify and reduce (a) the burdens on health care providers, (b) the cost of health care delivery, and (c) the barriers to patient care in the establishment and enforcement of controlled substance laws.