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Occupational and Environmental Safety

Controlled Substances FAQ

Controlled Substances FAQ

Do I really need to get a controlled substance license? I’ve never needed one before.

Yes.  Anyone who uses controlled substances as part of their research needs to have a license.

Are you sure I need a license? I’m not researching controlled substances; I’m just using them as part of a surgery.

Yes.  Because the surgery is part of your research project, you are required to be licensed.

How can I pay for my SC DPH registration?

The SC DPH Registration process requires you to print out your application and send it in the mail with a money order or a check. We recommend talking to your department about getting a check.

Do I really need to take my annual inventory on May 1st? What if May 1st is a Sunday?

Yes, it needs to be taken ON MAY 1st.  You may get special permission to take your inventory on a different day by contacting SC DPH prior to May 1st.

Can members of my lab or the Godley Snell staff use my controlled substances when I am not present?

Yes.  You can list them as authorized users on your research protocol to administer and use your controlled substances, but authorized users may NOT order or receive controlled substances.

Where should I store my controlled substances? Where should I store the keys? Do you keep a spare key or know my combination if I forget it?

Users at Godley Snell will be provided with a combination lock box to store your keys, and a double lock loxbox for your drugs.  No, the controlled substance coordinator does not keep spare keys or have a master combination.  Users outside Godley Snell must provide their own lock box that is approved by SC DPH/DEA.

What training do I need if I will be using controlled substances?

There is no regulatory requirement for training for controlled substances.  The PI/Researcher will meet with the Controlled Substance Coordinator one-on-one for training.  It is the responsibility of the PI/Researcher to train the authorized users of their controlled substances.  If the PI/Researcher would like for the Controlled Substance Coordinator to provide training to their authorized users, please contact the Controlled Substance Coordinator for scheduling.