Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Inspections
Pre-registration Site Inspections
Upon applying for a DEA registration, the local DEA office will assign a Diversion Investigator to review the application request. This review will include a request for supportive documents to justify request and an on-site inspection will be conducted by two diversion investigators of the storage location and of security provisions.
DEA Unannounced Inspections
Local DEA offices make periodic unannounced inspections to audit registered controlled substance storage locations and laboratories (21 CFR Part 1316). DEA Diversion Investigators ensure that the controlled substance registrant is compliant with the Controlled Substance Act.
At UCLA, the Controlled Substance Program Officer (CSPO) is the point of contact for DEA inspections.
In the event that the DEA shows up at your lab, immediately contact the CSPO (310) 901-4053 (call or text).
The DEA is a law enforcement agency with the ability to assess civil and criminal penalties. Non-compliance violations can result in increased levels of penalties including:
- Letter of Admonition
- $10,000 fine to the registrant for each violation
- Suspension or revocation of registration
- Prison sentence
Controlled Substance Program (CSP) Inspections
CSP Scheduled Inspections
- In-person Inspections: The CSP conducts in person inspections every two years to review usage logs, inventories, and storage location.
- Self-Inspections: The CSP assigns self-inspection to labs that have not had inventory over a year
CSP Unannounced Inspections
The CSP has the ability to conduct unannounced inspection to review areas of concern.
We check the following:
- Are there any expired controlled substances?
- Are there any changes to approved storage location?
- Are authorized users as listed on registration/CSUA are the same as as the ones handling controlled substances?
- Inventory against usage logs is review for discrepancie
- Are Schedule II segregated from Schedule III-V materials within the storage unit and are clearly labeled
- Are there other materials being stored with controlled substances (i.e. saline or needles)
- General Security Provisions:
- Is the storage unit locked? Are the keys secured as listed in registration/CSUA?
- Have locks been changed after staff turn over?
- Are there any controlled substances left unattended?
- Are only approved controlled substances as listed in registration/CSUA is being stored.
CSP Missing and Spill Investigation
All employees who have knowledge of, or reasonably suspect, theft/significant loss of controlled substances, or alteration of records indicating drug loss must immediately report such information to the CSPO, the Pl, and/or lab supervisor.
The UCLA Institute of Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) conducts twice yearly inspections of all laboratories approved for animal research. This inspection includes a check of proper storage of controlled substances.
For more information on missing or spills and how to determine excessive loss visit our page:
