---
title: Overview of DEA Audits
description: A quick reference to what DEA audits involve, what inspectors review, and how pharmacies can stay compliant with controlled substance regulations.
---
[Skip to content](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/overview-of-dea-audits#main-content)
English
Show submenu for translations
Montana Family Pharmacies
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- English
Show submenu for translations
- Contact us
Contact us
How can we help you?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Regulatory and Compliance](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp?hsLang=en)
2. [DEA Compliance Program](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en)
3. [DEA Readiness](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#dea-readiness)
April 4, 2026
# Overview of DEA Audits
## A quick reference to what DEA audits involve, what inspectors review, and how pharmacies can stay compliant with controlled substance regulations.
### Related Links
[For additional resources to support DEA Readiness, click HERE](https://members.montanafamilypharmacies.com/dea-compliance-program/)
### Overview
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), through its Diversion Control Division, oversees registrants that handle controlled substances to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) establishes policies governing the manufacturing, distribution, importation, exportation, and use of controlled substances. Its purpose is to prevent diversion into the illicit market while ensuring availability for legitimate medical and scientific use.
Pharmacies play a vital role in preventing misuse and diversion. All staff members are responsible for maintaining compliance and protecting public health.
---
### DEA Audits
DEA pharmacy audits may occur randomly and without prior notice. Pharmacies should remain audit-ready at all times by maintaining accurate documentation, proper procedures, and regulatory compliance.
---
### Common DEA Audit Inspection Areas
#### Licensing and Credentials
- DEA registration
- State pharmacy license
- Pharmacist licenses
- Pharmacy technician licenses
#### Personnel and Training
- Pre-employment screening procedures
- Staff training on controlled substances compliance
- CMEA training and self-certification
#### Security and Storage
- Physical security of the pharmacy
- Secure storage of controlled substances
- Measures to prevent theft and diversion
#### Controlled Substance Ordering
- DEA Form 222 (paper)
- Electronic ordering (CSOS)
#### Inventory Requirements
- Initial inventory
- Biennial inventory
- Perpetual inventory systems
- Inventory updates for:
- Change of Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC)
- Changes in drug scheduling
#### Recordkeeping
- Receiving records (DEA Form 222, invoices, purchase orders, packing slips, CSOS)
- Dispensing and distribution records
- Return records
- Destruction records (DEA Form 41, waste logs, reverse distributor documentation)
#### Prescription Records
- Controlled substance prescription documentation
#### Inventory Audits and Reporting
- Physical inventory counts
- DEA Form 106 (reporting theft or significant loss)
#### Supplier Documentation
- Supplier list including name, address, and DEA registration number
---
### Key Takeaway
Consistent compliance, accurate recordkeeping, and secure handling of controlled substances are essential for passing DEA audits and preventing diversion.
Disclaimer: These tools and templates are intended for general informational purposes and are provided by Montana Family Pharmacies as a service to pharmacies. While we try to keep the information timely and accurate, we make no guarantees. These tools and templates are not a substitute for legal, regulatory, or professional advice.
Policies and procedure, templates, checklists, and other tools should be customized to fit the specific needs and regulatory requirements of your pharmacy.
Montana Family Pharmacies disclaims any liability for any damages, losses, or other consequences arising from the use or reliance on the tools or policy templates.
- [DEA Compliance Program](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [DEA Readiness](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#dea-readiness)
- [Licensing and Registration](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#licensing-and-registration)
- [Safety and Security](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#safety-and-security)
- [Ordering and Inventory](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#ordering-and-inventory)
- [Prescriptions](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#prescriptions)
- [Distributions and Losses](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#distributions-and-losses)
- [Optional Programs](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#optional-programs)
- [Hazardous Drug Program](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/hazardous-drug-program?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Hazardous Drugs and USP-800](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/hazardous-drug-program?hsLang=en#hazardous-drugs-and-usp-800)
- [Wholesaler CSMP Guide](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/wholesaler-csmp-guide?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Navigating CSMP Audits](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/wholesaler-csmp-guide?hsLang=en#navigating-csmp-audits)
- [Wholesaler Controlled Substances](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/wholesaler-csmp-guide?hsLang=en#wholesaler-controlled-substances)
- [Wholesaler Injunctive Relief](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/wholesaler-csmp-guide?hsLang=en#wholesaler-injunctive-relief)
- [Operations and Compliance Checklists](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/operations-and-compliance-checklists?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Ops & Compliance](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/operations-and-compliance-checklists?hsLang=en#ops-compliance)
- [Pharmacy Daily Ops Program](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Licensing, Legal, and Administrative](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#licensing-legal-and-administrative)
- [Staffing, Supervision, and Access Control](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#staffing-supervision-and-access-control)
- [Facility, Equipment and Environmental Controls](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#facility-equipment-and-environmental-controls)
- [Inventory Management and Drug Handling](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#inventory-management-and-drug-handling)
- [Procurement and Vendor Management](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#procurement-and-vendor-management)
- [Pharmacy Systems and Patient Records](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#pharmacy-systems-and-patient-records)
- [Prescription Intake and Processing](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#prescription-intake-and-processing)
- [Dispensing, Labeling, and Clinical Review](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#dispensing-labeling-and-clinical-review)
- [Patient Interaction and Services](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#patient-interaction-and-services)
- [Workflow Exceptions and Prescription Adjustments](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#workflow-exceptions-and-prescription-adjustments)
- [Special Sales and Packaging](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#special-sales-and-packaging)
- [Daily Operations and Continuous Compliance](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/pharmacy-daily-ops-program?hsLang=en#daily-operations-and-continuous-compliance)
# Montana Family Pharmacies
[mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com)
Copyright © 2026, Montana Family Pharmacies