What is DEA form 222 primarily used for?

The DEA Form 222 is specifically designed for the ordering of Schedule II controlled substances. This form is a crucial part of the regulatory framework established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to manage and monitor the distribution of highly regulated medications that have a significant potential for abuse and addiction.

Schedule II medications include powerful narcotics, stimulants, and some depressants, which require strict control and oversight during their procurement and dispensing processes. When a pharmacy or healthcare facility needs to order these substances, they must use Form 222 to communicate their needs to the suppliers, ensuring that there is a formal, accountable process for handling these drugs.

The use of DEA Form 222 helps maintain an accurate inventory and provides a paper trail that can be audited by the DEA for compliance with the Controlled Substances Act. This way, the potential for misuse and diversion of these potent medications is minimized, promoting safety in their distribution.

While the other options touch on important aspects of pharmacy operations, they do not specifically pertain to the use of Form 222. For instance, reporting drug theft involves different forms and protocols, applying for a pharmacy license is a separate regulatory process, and registering a medication for clinical trials is handled through applications to other governing bodies, not through Form 222