Click blue arrow next to each question to expand and see FAQ answer.
Can I send my patient’s prescription for controlled substances to an out of state pharmacy?
Generally, you may send a controlled substances prescription to a pharmacy of the patient’s choice as long as (1) you have an established relationship with the patient that originated in North Carolina, (2) you hold a NC medical license, and (3) you hold a DEA registration specific to North Carolina. However, there may be restrictions, limitations, or special requirements based on the laws where the pharmacy is located. Therefore, you should check with the medical board of that state, the out-of-state pharmacy, and/or your malpractice carrier to ensure your compliance with any applicable laws and identify any potential issues that may impact the patient’s treatment.
I have a North Carolina medical license, but my DEA registration is specific to another state. Can I use my out-of-state DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances to patients located in North Carolina?
Unless an exception exists, the DEA requires all prescribers to hold a state-specific DEA registration in the state where the patient is located at the time of care. You should contact the DEA for more information.
Does North Carolina have a state-level controlled substance prescribing registration or permit?
No. While some states have an additional prescribing registration or permit separate from the DEA registration process, North Carolina does not. Unless an exception authorized by law applies, those prescribing controlled substances to patients located in NC must hold a NC medical license and hold a valid DEA registration to prescribe to patients in North Carolina.
Am I required to have a DEA registration to maintain my North Carolina medical license?
No. A DEA registration is not a requirement for licensure or licensure renewal in North Carolina. It is only required if you will be prescribing controlled substances.
Do I need a DEA registration to prescribe non-controlled substances in North Carolina?
No. DEA registration is not required to prescribe non-controlled substances.
What do I need if I want to dispense controlled substances?
Please contact the NC Board of Pharmacy for a Dispensing Permit or any related dispensing inquiries.
My DEA registration is pending. Can I prescribe controlled substances?
No, you cannot prescribe controlled substances without a DEA registration. If you work at a hospital, you should contact it to determine if you meet the conditions to use any available institutional DEA registration number.
My DEA registration number was used fraudulently. What should I do?
Please contact local law enforcement and your local DEA Diversion Field office within 24 hours of discovery. You might also consider monitoring the North Carolina Controlled Substance Reporting System for additional fraud and alert any local or affected pharmacies. If you reasonably believe the fraud was committed by another NCMB licensee, you are required to report the fraud using the online complaint form.
For nurse practitioners, please contact the NC Board of Nursing. Otherwise, you do not need to report the fraud to the NC Medical Board, but you should keep documentation related to your reports. If you suspect identity theft, you should monitor your credit for suspicious activity and report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
