News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2005
DOJ (202) 514-2008
DEA (202) 307-7977
TDD (202) 514-1888

DEA Launches Secure Electronic Ordering
'FIRST EVER' Paperless Controlled Substances Ordering System (CSOS)

AUG 31--The Drug Enforcement (DEA) is ready to launch DEA’s new Controlled Substances Ordering System (CSOS) on September 1, 2005. Some 600 participants are already registered to use the program. Over the past several years, the DEA’s Office of Diversion Control has worked with the pharmaceutical industry to develop an electronic version of the current ordering system for Schedule II controlled substances.

"This new system will save millions of dollars for the government and industry. By eliminating the printing, processing, and maintaining of the paper forms we have brought ordering of Schedule II drugs into the 21^st century. CSOS will help reduce errors, and allow orders to be filled more quickly," according to Joseph Rannazzisi, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Diversion Control.

Prior to the development of this system, industry was required by law to submit a three part form for all purchases of Schedule II controlled substances. This form was maintained by the supplier and the purchaser, as well as the DEA. Now, CSOS provides a secure and authenticated means for industry to electronically submit orders for Schedule II controlled substances directly to their supplier. This should will streamline the supply chain and help patients get the prescriptions they need more quickly.

The development of the CSOS project represents the first time the DEA and industry have worked together to create a system that satisfies both government regulations and meets the needs of industry. Both have hailed this project as a beginning by which future initiatives and projects could be modeled after.

"The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is very pleased to see the implementation of DEA's Controlled Substance Ordering System. DEA has been extraordinarily inclusive in the process leading up to the proposed regulation and has worked hard to understand the industry's needs for a system that will complement current ordering systems while facilitating the ordering of controlled substances," said Mary Ann Wagner, vice president pharmacy regulatory affairs for NACDS. "As patient safety and a streamlined pharmacy operations system is of utmost importance to NACDS, we also eagerly look forward to the adoption of rules on electronic prescribing of controlled substances."

The Executive Director of the American Society for Automation in Pharmacy, Bill Lockwood, added, "We see the DEA’s CSOS as another implementation of technology that can save time and money for pharmacies."