DEA Updates Partial Prescription Recordkeeping Rules
Published Date: 7/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The DEA is updating how pharmacies and drug handlers keep records when prescriptions are only partly filled. This affects anyone who manages controlled substances and aims to make recordkeeping clearer and easier, with a chance to comment until September 21, 2026. The update won’t cost extra but will help keep drug tracking accurate and smooth.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Updated partial-fill record rules
If you run a pharmacy or are a DEA registrant who handles controlled substances, the DEA updates how you must record partial fills of Schedule II prescriptions. Pharmacists must keep the date, the name or initials of the dispenser, and other information required by 21 CFR 1306.22(c); electronic prescription systems must link the quantity, date, and dispenser to each electronic controlled-substance prescription record. These records must be kept and available for at least two years.
Estimated annual burden and cost
The DEA estimates 66,088 registrants will participate in this collection. Recordkeeping for partial fills is estimated at 0.002778 hours per response (under a minute), totaling 27,149 annual burden hours across all respondents, and the DEA estimates a $0 total annual cost burden.
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Key Dates
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The DEA is updating rules for pharmacies that transfer electronic prescriptions for certain controlled medicines (Schedules III-V). Pharmacies must keep better records showing where prescriptions go, making it easier to track and safer for everyone. Comments on these changes are open until September 21, 2026, and the update aims to use more electronic tools without adding extra costs.
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