DEA DEA Enforcement and Compliance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)?
- A state-run database tracking controlled substance prescriptions to identify potential abuse, diversion, and doctor shopping (Correct answer)
- A program to monitor drug prices
- A federal drug manufacturing oversight program
- A program providing free prescriptions
Correct answer: A state-run database tracking controlled substance prescriptions to identify potential abuse, diversion, and doctor shopping
PDMPs are state-operated databases collecting dispensing data for controlled substances, enabling prescribers and pharmacists to identify patients receiving prescriptions from multiple providers or showing patterns of misuse.
Question 2: What is drug diversion?
- The transfer of legally prescribed controlled substances for illicit use (Correct answer)
- A new drug development program
- A legal way to dispose of medications
- A method of drug testing
Correct answer: The transfer of legally prescribed controlled substances for illicit use
Drug diversion occurs when controlled substances are redirected from legitimate medical purposes to illicit use, including healthcare worker theft, prescription fraud, doctor shopping, and illegal distribution.
Question 3: What penalties apply for illegal distribution of controlled substances?
- Federal felony charges with imprisonment of 5-40 years, fines up to millions, and asset forfeiture depending on substance and quantity (Correct answer)
- Only a misdemeanor fine
- Community service only
- No federal penalties exist
Correct answer: Federal felony charges with imprisonment of 5-40 years, fines up to millions, and asset forfeiture depending on substance and quantity
Federal penalties for illegal distribution vary by substance schedule and quantity, ranging from 5-40 years imprisonment (more for death/serious injury), fines up to millions of dollars, and forfeiture of assets used in or derived from trafficking.
Question 4: What is a DEA drug take-back program?
- A program allowing the public to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications at authorized collection sites (Correct answer)
- A program where the DEA buys back illegal drugs
- A refund program for overpriced medications
- A drug recall program
Correct answer: A program allowing the public to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications at authorized collection sites
DEA take-back programs provide safe, anonymous disposal of unused prescription medications at authorized collection sites, preventing drug diversion, accidental poisoning, and environmental contamination from improper disposal.
Question 5: What is the role of a DEA Diversion Investigator?
- Investigating the diversion of legally produced controlled substances and ensuring compliance with the Controlled Substances Act (Correct answer)
- Investigating only street-level drug dealers
- Managing DEA office administration
- Providing security at pharmacies
Correct answer: Investigating the diversion of legally produced controlled substances and ensuring compliance with the Controlled Substances Act
DEA Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act by investigating practitioners, pharmacies, distributors, and manufacturers for diversion, conducting compliance inspections, and working with other agencies on diversion cases.
Question 6: What is a DEA 222 form used for?
- An official order form required for transferring Schedule II controlled substances between registered entities (Correct answer)
- A general application form for DEA registration
- A patient prescription form
- An incident report form
Correct answer: An official order form required for transferring Schedule II controlled substances between registered entities
DEA Form 222 is the official triplicate order form required for ordering, distributing, or transferring Schedule II controlled substances between registered entities, providing an auditable chain of custody.
DEA DEA Enforcement and Compliance 1
What is the purpose of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)?