Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License

CDS is the acronym for Controlled Dangerous Substances, and this term is synonymous with the term "controlled substances." Both of these terms are used to describe those medications subject to certain restrictions on their use. Examples of controlled substances include amphetamines, narcotics and other opiates, anabolic steroids, and benzodiazepines.
The U. S. Controlled Substances Act of 1970 established the five schedules of controlled substances, and they are enumerated in 21 USC 812 as well as 21 CFR 1308. The Louisiana version of the controlled substances schedules are enumerated in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, more specifically in La R.S. 40:964, as well as the relevant section of the administrative code, more specifically at LAC 46:LIII.2703. For a current list of controlled substances, you may consult any of several websites, including the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) site at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov, or the Board of Pharmacy's site at www.pharmacy.la.gov. You may also consult the Board's publication, Louisiana Board of Pharmacy Laws and Regulations.

What is a CDS license and how is it different from a DEA registration?
The U. S. Congress established the DEA and charged that federal agency with administering the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA requires any person who wishes to manufacture, distribute, procure, possess, prescribe, dispense, or conduct research with any controlled substance to apply to that agency for a registration, and to possess a DEA registration before engaging in any of those activities. Upon receipt of an application for a DEA registration, that agency will seek to confirm with the appropriate state agency that the applicant possesses the authority from the state government to perform the stated activity.

It is the state legislature that provides the authority for certain groups of people to manufacture, distribute, procure, possess, prescribe, dispense, or conduct research with controlled substances; in most cases, professional practice acts contain the authority to work with controlled substances. The CDS license is simply the manifestation of the state's authority to work with controlled substances. The CDS license is supplied to the DEA to demonstrate eligibility for a DEA registration. In Louisiana, one must possess both a CDS license and a DEA registration to manufacture, distribute, procure, possess, prescribe, dispense, or conduct research with controlled substances.

With respect to licensed health care practitioners, their professional practice acts provide specific authority to prescribe, administer, or dispense medications, including controlled substances.  We encourage practitioners to contact their primary licensing agency to determine the rules and requirements for dispensing controlled substance

To apply for your CDS license, visit http://www.pharmacy.la.gov/.

• Complete form 101 
• Physician cost:$45 
• Mail application to:
  Louisiana Board of Pharmacy
  3388 Brentwood Drive 
  Baton Rouge, LA. 70809
  info@pharmacy.la.gov

Once you have been approved for your state CDS license, you can apply for a Federal DEA number.