Power of Attorney (POA) for Controlled Substance Ordering

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For additional resources to support pharmacy controlled substance ordering and inventory compliance click HERE. 

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.