Which entity has jurisdiction over the issuing of prescriptions for controlled substances?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the entity responsible for overseeing the issuance of prescriptions for controlled substances. This authority is grounded in the Controlled Substances Act, which delegates the DEA the responsibility to regulate and enforce the laws surrounding controlled substances, which includes categorizing these substances into schedules based on their potential for abuse, their medical usefulness, and safety.

Pharmacists, along with other healthcare providers, must comply with the regulations set forth by the DEA when it comes to prescribing, dispensing, and distributing controlled substances. The DEA also establishes the protocols for registering healthcare professionals who have the authority to prescribe these medications, ensuring that prescriptions are issued appropriately and in compliance with federal laws.

Other agencies listed have different responsibilities related to drug regulation and enforcement, but none have the direct jurisdiction over prescribing controlled substances like the DEA does. The Federal Trade Commission primarily deals with business practices and consumer protection, the Food and Drug Administration focuses on the safety and efficacy of medications, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse conducts research and provides information on drug abuse but does not have regulatory authority over prescriptions.