Published Aug 10, 2013
jmuhammad10
48 Posts
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.
PsychiatricNP
86 Posts
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
1 Article; 1,863 Posts
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
1,231 Posts
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.
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:
Barinbass
184 Posts
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
118 Posts
I would wait and let your employer pay for it if they want you to have it.
Thanks. I heard that from one of my FNP preceptors too, but when can we apply for one?
AnnaN5
429 Posts
Duplicate post
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!