Dispensing of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Pain

In August 2004, DEA published on its Office of Diversion Control Web site a document entitled: "Prescription Pain Medications: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Health Care Professionals and Law Enforcement Personnel" (August 2004 FAQ). The August 2004 FAQ was not published in the Federal Register and was not an official statement of the agency. DEA subsequently withdrew the document because it contained misstatements. This interim policy statement explains how some of the statements in the August 2004 FAQ were erroneous. In addition, this interim statement explains how DEA plans to address in a future Federal Register document the issue of dispensing controlled substances for the treatment of pain.