Using DEA Form 222 to Order Controlled Substances

When the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) grants the Registrant permission to use Schedule I or II (C-I or C-II) drugs they will send DEA Form 222 order forms.

The Registrant* is responsible for securing Forms 222 and retaining copies of the executed and the original unexecuted forms. The Registrant should make a list of the unique form numbers and record the date when each is used. Do NOT sign Form 222 before the form is completed. The Form 222 is equivalent to a prescription pad.
*In the absence of the Registrant use the Power of Attorney Form to execute the Form 222.

To complete a Form 222:

  1. Complete Part 1
    1. Name and Title
    2. Signature of DEA Registrant 
    3. Date 
    4. Enter name, size, and quantity of controlled substance(s).
    5. Enter last line completed.
  2. Complete Part 2
    1. Supplier DEA Number
    2. Supplier address
  3. Make a copy of the signed form before submitting your order form.
  4. Fill in Part 5 on copy once the order is received.

 

Sample of DEA FORM 222

 

To execute the order at the pharmacy and pick up the drugs, you will also need a copy of the current Authorized Users Signature Log, and a photo ID.

When you return to the laboratory with the controlled substances, check the order to be sure you received what you ordered. Write a complete entry in your controlled substances receipt log for each controlled substance you received. Lock the controlled substances in the safe.

Using DEA Form 222 to transfer Schedule II Drugs

To transfer a C-II controlled substance, like sodium pentobarbital, between laboratories, a DEA Form 222 order form is required. The receiving party must have a DEA Form 222. One laboratory is the "supplier", acting like a pharmacy. The receiving lab must "order" the sodium pentobarbital from the supplier using their DEA Form 222. 

Generally, transferring controlled substances between laboratories is not a good idea. It creates extra paperwork and looks like someone may be shuffling paperwork to cover diversion.