Is a residential care facility required to report the disposal of controlled substances to the DEA?

A residential care facility is not required to report the disposal of controlled substances to the DEA. The DEA has established regulations mainly aimed at manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies concerning the handling of controlled substances, which also extend to registrants who possess controlled substances. However, residential care facilities operate under different guidelines and responsibilities that are not the same as those required of DEA registrants.

In Oregon, while there may be protocols in place for the safe disposal of controlled substances to prevent diversion and ensure safety, the obligation to report disposals specifically to the DEA does not fall on these facilities. This allows residential care facilities to follow state-level regulations and best practices without the additional burden of federal reporting requirements concerning controlled substances disposal unless specifically mandated under certain circumstances.

Understanding the distinction between the regulatory obligations of different types of facilities helps clarify why residential care facilities are exempt from reporting disposals to the DEA.