Missouri Professional Licensing Attorney Discusses Registration With The Bureau Of Narcotics And Dangerous Drugs

Any business or other entity who deals in or with controlled substances in Missouri must register with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (“the Bureau”). It is important for medical practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, and other health care providers and their employers to understand the importance of maintaining good standing with the Bureau and the consequences of violating the rules and regulations promulgated by the Bureau. If you are a medical practitioner, pharmacist, or another registrant of the Bureau and you face professional discipline, professional licensing attorney Danielle Sanger could help. Attorney Sanger possesses vast experience successfully representing professional licensees who are facing professional discipline.

Who Must Register With the Bureau?

In Missouri, a person, business, or other entity who wishes to deal with controlled substances must register with the Bureau. The rule is broad. It encompasses any individual or company that purchases, stocks, prescribes, or administers controlled substances. Additionally, any person, business, or entity that desires to conduct research with controlled substances must file a certificate of registration with the Bureau.

What Is The Bureau’s Authority And Jurisdiction?

The Bureau’s authority extends to controlled substances exclusively. Other drugs do not fall within the purview of the Bureau. Specifically, the Bureau is concerned with the safety, security, and record keeping required by Missouri law. Additionally, the Bureau does not have any authority to investigate practice related matters such as under-prescribing and over-prescribing of controlled substances by medical providers. The Bureau, if it receives complaints related to practice issues, will refer the complaints to the appropriate licensing authority governing the issue.

What Is The Bureau’s Authority To Inspect Records and Substances?

Prescriptions, orders, and records which Missouri law obligates a practitioner or dispenser to maintain may be examined. Stocks of the controlled substances are also subject to inspection. The records, orders, and prescriptions, as well as the stocks, may be investigated by federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers provided that the inspecting law enforcement officer has the duty to enforce the narcotics laws of Missouri or the United States. The record holder will enjoy civil immunity if the record holder turns over documents pursuant to a lawful request. It is important to note that the inspecting officers have a duty to adhere to the rules governing confidentiality to which practitioners are subject.

What Are The Most Common Violations Registrants Commit?

Errors and omissions in record keeping are reportedly the most common violations committed by registrants of the Bureau. Records violations include the failure to conduct annual inventories properly, failing to retain records for the appropriate length of time, and failing to document dispensing logs. Major violations include falsifying records or destroying records.

The Bureau is also concerned with safety violations. Controlled substance safety violations endanger the public. Safety violations include failing to provide security for controlled substances, stealing drugs, self-administering drugs, having custody over controlled substances while impaired, and issuing prescriptions in bad faith.

What Are The Range Of Penalties For Violations?

Penalties for which the Bureau has the authority to issue range from non-public actions to public actions. The penalty is largely dependant upon the severity of the infraction and the registrant’s history of previous transgressions. Non-public actions include a written letter of reprimand or a letter of censure. Public actions include denial of an application to register, a probationary term with conditions, suspension, or revocation of registration.

Violations Of The Bureau’s Regulations Could Have Collateral Consequences

Missouri professional licensing attorney Danielle Sanger has dedicated her career to representing professional licensees. She understands that professional discipline could have an adverse affect on your career as well as your home life. Contact Attorney Sanger today at 785-979-4353 to schedule a consultation.

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