VETERINARIANS HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR HOW THEY DISPENSE DRUGS

Stiffer Regulations Meant To Keep Controlled Substances In Right Hands

A question was recently posed to me by a client, "Why must I have a pet seen
for the ailment I described? Can't you just dispense me the pills?"

Certainly, veterinarians have compassion and want to help, but just guessing
can have its drawbacks. To compound this particular situation, the client
asked me for the siezural control medication Phenobarbital, which is a
controlled substance.

Just as in the human medical realm, veterinarians must be acountable to the
DEA for their use of controlled substances. Believe me, we are not punishing
pet owners by asking to have a client record and pet treatment relationship.
This premise is mandated by federal law.

Every cc(ml) of injectable and every tablet of these scheduled drugs must be
accounted for once they are sold to the practicing veterinarian. In recent
years, more drugs have been moved into the Schedule I-V categories due to
their abuse potential in improper hands. In additon, the DEA has asked all
veterinarians to keep logs of all Scheduled drugs all the time - not just
the Schedule I-II drugs, which was acceptable for a time. Consider these
rules a reaction to the war on illicit use of drugs that has continued to
plague our country in the late 20th century.

All veterinarians now must apply for a three-year license with the DEA in
order to use or prescribe Scheduled drugs. These drugs are as benign as
Lo-Motil, used for canine diarrhea, and the aforementioned Phenobarbital,
which at low one or two-pill doses is very safe. Yet, the abuse potential
for pain relievers, anti-anxiety drugs such as Valium and strong sedatives
and anesthetic agents, which may impact pest or humans with potentially
lethal effects, must be respected.

Once again, please understand that your pet's veterinarian is not creating a
step of inconvenience for you when questions are asked prior to dispensing
drugs or providing refirlls. As professionals we are asked to comply with
the law of the land, lest our licenses and DEA permits be revoked for lack
of compliance.

Some of our colleagues have had stiff fines imposed as well. Your pet's
veterinarian will be helpful in every way possible4 to provide good,
personable pet care.