This question generates a lot of confusion: does every fire station need its own DEA registration? The answer is no — but there’s an important step most agencies are missing.
One Registration Per State
Under the PPAEMA final rule, EMS agencies hold a single DEA registration per state. You do not need a separate registration for each stationhouse, vehicle, or satellite location. The rule clarified this after significant uncertainty in the EMS community.
But Every Storage Location Must Be Reported
While you don’t need multiple registrations, every location where controlled substances are routinely stored must be reported to the DEA as a designated location. You need to provide 30 days advance notice before storing controlled substances at a new location.
If your agency has 10 stations and only your headquarters is on file with the DEA, you have 9 gaps. The controlled substances at those stations are being stored at unreported locations.
What About Vehicles?
Vehicles that carry controlled substances are covered under your agency’s state registration and the designated location where they’re stationed. You don’t need to individually register each apparatus. But the stations where those vehicles are housed need to be reported.
|
What to do now: Audit every location where your agency stores controlled substances. Compare that list against what’s on file with the DEA. If there are unreported locations, start the notification process — the 30-day requirement means this takes time to resolve.
|
