Schedule of Controlled Substances: Proposed Rule: Rescheduling of Buprenorphine From Schedule V to Schedule III

This proposed rule is issued by the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to increase the regulatory controls placed on buprenorphine by rescheduling buprenorphine from a Schedule V narcotic to a Schedule III narcotic. This proposed action is based on a formal rescheduling recommendation by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and a DEA review indicating that buprenorphine meets the definition of a Schedule III narcotic. If finalized, this action will impose the regulatory controls and criminal sanctions of a Schedule III narcotic on those person who handle buprenorphine or products containing buprenorphine.