DEA Controlled Substances for Use in Research

The UT Health Science Center does not hold an “institutional license” for the use of controlled substances in research. To obtain and use controlled substances such as certain common analgesics or anesthetics (e.g., buprenorphine, ketamine, pentobarbital) or to synthesize controlled substances for research individuals must be:

• Licensed with the Tennessee State Board of Pharmacy (TBOP) and registered with the US DEA (a “DEA Registrant”); or
• Authorized under the license of a DEA Registrant.

Controlled substances obtained by researchers operating under the authority of the UTHSC Office of Research must handle these materials in accordance with the Policy for the Handling of Controlled Substances. This policy helps researchers comply with federal and state regulations, providing requirements for:

• Security
• Training
• Documentation
• Disposal

Obtaining Licensure

To obtain the necessary license to use controlled substances, complete the Application for Researcher Form. This will require a concise description of how you plan to use and securely store the drug; fee payment is required.

Once a state license number has been obtained, initiate federal registration by following the instructions for New Applications for DEA Registration and selecting Business Category Form 225 – Researcher.

The federal fee is waived for academic institutions. To have the fee waived, Dr. Wesley Byerly, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research (phone: 901.448.7125) is designated the Certifying Official for the UT Health Science Center and should be identified on the application as the institutional contact and Fee Exempt Certifier.

Clinical Researchers Obtaining Controlled Substance for Use in Research

Researchers who procure controlled substances must hold a state researcher license from the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy — regardless of any clinical license they may hold.

Some clinicians mistakenly use their practice license to obtain controlled substances for research. This is unlawful. Tennessee Code Annotated (53-14-104) requires researchers to complete separate licensure before obtaining research drugs. A clinical license to prescribe or dispense applies only to patient care, not research.

Anyone affected by this policy must obtain research license from the Tennessee State Board of Pharmacy .

Below are pertinent excerpts from Tennessee Code Annotated pertaining to this issue. 

License - Required - Application – Fees (53-14-104.)

1. No person shall manufacture, obtain, possess, administer or dispense a legend drug or controlled substance for the purpose of scientific research, chemical analysis, instruction or training of detection animals without having first secured a license to do so from the director.
2. An application for the license shall be submitted on the prescribed form, and shall be accompanied by:
   1. A nonrefundable fee of thirty dollars ($30.00), or in an amount set by the board;
   2. Copies of all papers and materials filed with any state or federal governmental agency in connection with the applicant's proposed project; and
   3. A detailed protocol, in triplicate, setting forth:
      1. The nature of the proposed project;
      2. The qualifications of the applicant to engage in the project;
      3. The proposed quantity of each drug involved;
      4. The measures proposed to provide for security and proper record-keeping of the drugs;
      5. Specific provisions for the safe administration or dispensing of drugs to humans, if contemplated, and the proposed method for selecting the humans; and
      6. Other information the commissioner may require.

[Acts 1984, ch. 717, § 4; 1990, ch. 1026, § 14.]

Exemption from chapter (53-14-102.)

This chapter shall not apply to:

1. A licensed physician, dentist or veterinarian lawfully administering, dispensing or prescribing a legend drug or controlled substance in the course of the individual's professional practice to an ultimate user for a recognized medical purpose; or
2. A manufacturer or distributor whose research protocol has been approved by the federal food and drug administration under that agency's auspices, or otherwise subject to jurisdiction of the federal food and drug administration and if lawful under that jurisdiction. 

[Acts 1984, ch. 717, § 2.]