DEA Targets Dentist James Orrington in Drug Order Decision
Published Date: 10/20/2025
Notice
Summary
Dr. James Orrington, a dentist in Chicago, lost his DEA license to handle controlled substances because he no longer has permission to do so in Illinois. He didn’t respond to the government’s attempts to contact him, so the DEA canceled his registration. This means he can’t legally prescribe or manage certain drugs anymore, effective immediately.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
DEA Registration Revoked for Dentist
The Drug Enforcement Administration revoked James Orrington II's DEA Certificate of Registration No. BO7484811. Because his Illinois dental and controlled-substance licenses were suspended on May 23, 2024, he is not authorized to handle controlled substances in Illinois, and the revocation is effective November 19, 2025.
Pending Registration Applications Denied
The DEA denied any pending applications by James Orrington II to renew or modify his DEA registration and denied any other pending application of his for additional registration in Illinois. Those denials accompany the revocation and are effective November 19, 2025.
State License Required for DEA Registration
The Order reiterates that under federal law (21 U.S.C. 823(g)(1) and 824(a)(3)) a practitioner must be authorized by the State in which they practice to dispense controlled substances in order to hold a DEA registration. If a practitioner's State license is suspended or revoked, the DEA may revoke the federal registration.
15-Day Reconsideration Opportunity
The Order allows James Orrington II to file a properly supported motion for reconsideration of the findings of fact within fifteen calendar days of the date of the Order. Any such motion and responses must be filed and served by email to the other party and to the DEA Office of the Administrator at [email protected].
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