--- title: Power of Attorney (POA) for Controlled Substance Ordering description: A practical guide to authorizing, managing, and revoking power of attorney for DEA Form 222 and CSOS e222 ordering. --- [Skip to content](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/power-of-attorney-poa-for-controlled-substance-ordering#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. [Ordering and Inventory](https://kb.montanafamilypharmacies.com/reg-and-comp/dea-compliance-program?hsLang=en#ordering-and-inventory) April 4, 2026 # Power of Attorney (POA) for Controlled Substance Ordering ## A practical guide to authorizing, managing, and revoking power of attorney for DEA Form 222 and CSOS e222 ordering. **RELATED LINKS**  For additional resources to support pharmacy controlled substance ordering and inventory compliance click [HERE](https://members.montanafamilypharmacies.com/dea-compliance-program/).    **FULL ARTICLE**  To maintain a secure and compliant system for ordering Schedule II controlled substances, pharmacies must properly designate and manage Power of Attorney (POA). A POA allows authorized individuals to obtain and execute DEA Form 222 (paper) and CSOS e222 (electronic) orders on behalf of the pharmacy.    This guide outlines how POA is granted, maintained, and revoked to ensure accountability and regulatory compliance.      **What is Power of Attorney (POA)?**  Power of Attorney is a formal authorization that allows designated individuals to order Schedule II controlled substances on behalf of a DEA-registered pharmacy.  - A pharmacy may grant POA to **one or more individuals**   - Authorized individuals may execute both paper DEA Form 222 and electronic CSOS e222 orders   - Individuals granted POA do not need to be physically located at the registered pharmacy       **Establishing a Power of Attorney**  To be valid, a POA must be properly executed and documented.  **Required Signatures:**  - The DEA registrant (or authorized representative, depending on business structure)   - The individual receiving the POA   - Two witnesses   **Additional Requirements:**  - The document must be dated   - Electronic signatures are permitted   - The completed POA must be stored in a secure, organized, and **readily retrievable** format   POA documentation must be available for inspection but does **not** need to be submitted to the DEA.      **Managing POA Records**  Proper recordkeeping is essential for compliance and audit readiness.  - Maintain all POA documents in a centralized, organized location   - Ensure records are easily accessible for inspections   - Periodically review POA assignments to confirm accuracy and necessity   Limiting POA access to only essential personnel helps reduce risk and strengthens controlled substance security.      **Revoking a Power of Attorney**  A POA may be revoked at any time and should be promptly addressed when circumstances change.  **Revocation Requirements:**  - Must be completed by the individual who signed the most recent DEA registration or renewal (or authorized equivalent)   - Requires signatures from two witnesses   - Must be documented and stored in a readily retrievable format   **Common Reasons for Revocation:**  - Employee termination   - Role or responsibility changes   - Security or compliance concerns   When an employee leaves the pharmacy, their POA should be revoked immediately to prevent unauthorized ordering.      **POA & DEA Registration Changes**  Changes in DEA registration may require updates to POA documentation.  - If a different person signs a DEA registration or renewal, existing POAs may need to be revoked   - A new POA should then be executed to reflect current authorization   Regular review during registration renewals helps ensure all POA records remain accurate and compliant.      Maintaining a well-managed Power of Attorney process is critical for safeguarding controlled substance ordering. By clearly documenting authorization, limiting access, and promptly revoking POA when needed, pharmacies can strengthen security, prevent diversion, and remain fully compliant with regulatory requirements.    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