Getting the DEA License

PsychiatricNP · Aug 10, 2013

What is the time frame to obtain a DEA number? What is the process for application? I saw somewhere that it can take up to a year to get the DEA number? Please help.

I have a DEA number in two states. In both states I received my DEA number within a week after applying (around 5-7 days - I remember because I was surprised at the quick turnaround time). I submitted my application online - it is pretty straightforward, you provide some demographic information, pay the $731 fee and wait for your DEA number to arrive in the mail. I believe that they quote 6-8 weeks on their website, but I found that you get your number much faster. Hope that helps.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 11, 2013

Are you mixing up credentialing with DEA number? Credentialing can take up to a year depending on which insurance companies you're dealing with.

sailornurse · Aug 12, 2013

Why do you have TWO DEA numbers? I believe you only need one DEA and you can use it in different states. It is very expensive! Check with the DEA but I don't think you need a different DEA for each state. I have friends that do locums and they only have one DEA licenses.

PsychiatricNP · Aug 12, 2013

Why do you have TWO DEA numbers? I believe you only need one DEA and you can use it in different states. It is very expensive! Check with the DEA but I don't think you need a different DEA for each state. I have friends that do locums and they only have one DEA licenses.

I have looked into this, because I didn't want to spend the extra $731 unnecessarily. According to the DEA (and the credentialing offices of the hospitals that I work in) you are required to maintain a DEA number for each state that you write prescriptions for controlled substances in. You can transfer your DEA number; example: you practice in state A and move to state B, if you don't intend to practice in state A anymore you can transfer your DEA number and use it in state B. If you intend to maintain a practice in both state A and state B, you have to a separate DEA number for each state. More paperwork (and money) to keep up with, but I have found no alternative to this. Maybe I have received false information, but others I have worked with have said the same thing.

sailornurse · Aug 13, 2013

But the DEA number is issued by a federal agency and you are only required to have one DEA number, it does not matter what state you are working in. You can work in 2 different states and use the same DEA number. You must of course get the prescriptive license for each different state. I live on the border of 2 states and clinicians (physicians & nps) that I know that work in both states have told me you only need one DEA number. Keep in mind that the people doing the credentialing are not clinicians and may not be clear on the requirements. There is no "transfer" of the DEA number, it is issued to you.

PsychiatricNP · Aug 13, 2013

But the DEA number is issued by a federal agency and you are only required to have one DEA number, it does not matter what state you are working in. You can work in 2 different states and use the same DEA number. You must of course get the prescriptive license for each different state. I live on the border of 2 states and clinicians (physicians & nps) that I know that work in both states have told me you only need one DEA number. Keep in mind that the people doing the credentialing are not clinicians and may not be clear on the requirements. There is no "transfer" of the DEA number, it is issued to you.

Sailornurse - below this is taken directly from the DEA website, may want to have those physicians and NPs that you work with take a look at this to ensure they are in compliance. It also does appear that a DEA number can be "transferred."

Please be aware that practitioners who wish to administer, dispense, or prescribe controlled substances in multiple states have the following options regarding a DEA registration:

Practitioners will need to obtain a separate DEA registration in each state where they plan to administer, dispense, or prescribe controlled substances.
If the practitioners will be working solely in a hospital/clinic setting, they may use the hospital's DEA registration instead of registering independently with DEA if the hospital agrees and the situation warrants. 21 C.F.R. 1301.22©.
Alternately, under 21 C.F.R. 1301.51, practitioners may transfer their existing DEA registration from one state to another as needed by contacting DEA's Registration and Program Support Section at 1-800-882-9539 or request the change online at [COLOR=#004276]www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov. DEA will investigate each modification of registration as if it was a new application. DEA will issue a new DEA certificate with the appropriate changes if DEA approves the modification.
DEA has provided a limited exception to this requirement in that practitioners who register at one location in a state, but practice at other locations within the same state, are not required to register with DEA at any other location in that state at which they only prescribe controlled substances. 21 CFR 1301.12(b)(3).

Barinbass · Oct 21, 2013

When do we apply for one? I have passed my exam, received the certification card and am waiting for the license from my state, but when do we apply for the DEA number?

BritFNP · Oct 21, 2013

I would wait and let your employer pay for it if they want you to have it.

Barinbass · Oct 22, 2013

Thanks. I heard that from one of my FNP preceptors too, but when can we apply for one?

AnnaN5 · Oct 23, 2013

Duplicate post

AnnaN5 · Oct 23, 2013

You can apply for it anytime after you have your state license unless you are in a state that requires a collaborating physician letter (like MI). I agree in letting your employer pay the $730!