DEA seeks comments on easier pharmacy Rx record tweaks.
Published Date: 10/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The Drug Enforcement Administration is updating how pharmacies keep records when transferring electronic prescriptions for certain controlled drugs (Schedules III-V). This change affects pharmacies and aims to make recordkeeping clearer and easier, with a 30-day comment period ending November 2, 2026. No big costs are expected, but your feedback can help improve the process!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Pharmacies must record specific EPCS transfer data
If your pharmacy transfers or receives an electronic prescription for a Schedule III–V controlled substance, you must update the electronic prescription record to show specific fields. The transferring pharmacy must add the name, address, and DEA registration number of the pharmacy to which the prescription was transferred; the name of the pharmacist receiving the transfer; the name of the transferring pharmacist; and the date of the transfer. The receiving pharmacy must add the name, address, and DEA registration number of the pharmacy transferring the prescription; the name of the transferring pharmacist; the name of the pharmacist receiving the transfer; and the date of the transfer. This recordkeeping is mandatory under 21 U.S.C. 827 and 958.
Estimated time burden and scope for pharmacies
The DEA estimates 66,088 registrant pharmacies participate, with a total of 12,900,000 electronic prescription transfer responses annually. The time per response is estimated at 0.05 hours (3 minutes), producing a total annual burden of 645,000 hours and an estimated other-cost burden of $0. The DEA seeks Paperwork Reduction Act authorization for this collection for three (3) years.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19694, Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority
If you store explosives, you now have to tell your local fire department every year and when you stop storing them. This new rule helps keep firefighters and the public safer by making sure they always know where explosives are stored. It starts on October 26, 2026, and you must keep your notices for five years—no extra fees, just more safety!
2026-19693, Implementing the Safe Explosives Act
The Safe Explosives Act final rule affects businesses and people who handle explosives, making reporting and transport rules clearer and simpler. Starting October 26, 2026, license holders must report key personnel changes but no longer need to verify who accepts deliveries for them. These updates cut red tape without adding new costs, keeping everyone safer and smoother in the explosive world.
2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms
The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.
2026-15458, Civil Money Penalty for Actions in Contempt of an Immigration Judge's Proper Exercise of Authority
This notice of proposed rulemaking ("NPRM") would implement a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA" or "the Act") that authorizes Immigration Judges, under regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, to sanction by civil money penalty any action (or inaction) in contempt of the proper exercise of their authority by certain individuals. The rule would: define the scope of the contempt authority; provide procedures for contempt findings, penalty determinations, and penalty payment; establish an appellate process; and implement oversight of the use of contempt authority. The rule would also make conforming changes to the grounds for practitioner discipline.
2026-13586, Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract
If you make special firearms for the U.S. Government and your contract ends, you’ll now have a new way to register those guns even if you missed the usual deadline. This change helps manufacturers avoid penalties and keeps everything clear and fair. Comments on this proposal are open until September 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20114, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Proposed New Collection Request; Title-Suspicious Order of Controlled Substances
The DEA wants to start collecting new info about suspicious orders of controlled substances to help stop illegal drug activity. Businesses involved with controlled substances will need to share this info, and the DEA is asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026. This effort aims to make reporting easier and more useful without adding too much hassle or cost.
Next: 2026-20118, Domestic Sugar Program- FY 2026 Reassignment and FY 2027 Overall Sugar Marketing Allotment, Cane Sugar and Beet Sugar Marketing Allotments and Processor Allocations
The USDA is shaking up the sugar scene for 2026 and 2027 by moving sugar marketing allotments around to make sure every processor gets just the right amount. Florida’s sugarcane processors are sharing some of their sugar with Louisiana, and beet sugar processors are also swapping allocations to balance things out. These changes affect sugar sold in the U.S. from October 2025 through September 2027, helping keep the sugar supply smooth and steady.