DEA makes exception for California ODs and hydrocodone

As a result of COA's intervention, California doctors of optometry will remain authorized to prescribe hydrocodone combination products after an exception was made by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The DEA recently announced a rule which reclassified hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule II.  Because doctors of optometry are mid-level practitioners, they would not be authorized to prescribe Schedule II drugs under this new rule.

COA communicated our concerns regarding this new rule to the DEA and highlighted that ODs are explicitly authorized to prescribe hydrocodone combination products in the California Business and Professions Code.

DEA decided that it will allow California ODs to modify their registrations starting on October 6 to add Schedule II hydrocodone combination products. The modified registrations will be then reviewed and approved by the local DEA field offices.

COA has created a guide that walks you through the steps required to add Schedule II hydrocodone products to your existing DEA registration.  Click here to view the guide

Please contact Kara Corches, COA external affairs manager, if you have any questions about DEA registration.