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DVM & DEA Licensing Made Easy

Roo's got you covered for all your professional needs! Dig into our state DVM Licensing guides, find expert guidance for DEA registration as a relief professional, or get those CE hours in with Roo’s free CE events!

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State DVM Licensing Guides

Licensing made easy! We’ve put together dozens of state licensing guides to make getting your license, keeping track of renewals, and managing CE a breeze across the country. Click on any state (or D.C.) to get started.

Pro Tip:

Don't forget, any fees you pay for licensing or renewals can be written off on your taxes as 1099 contractors!

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DEA Licensing as a Relief Vet

As a Relief Veterinarian, DEA registration and compliance can be especially tricky to navigate. That’s why Roo hosts an annual webinar with top industry DEA experts Dr. Peter Weinstein and Kelley Detweiler to give you the latest info tailored specifically to relief veterinarians.

The Complete Guide to DEA Registration & Compliance

Everything you need to know about DEA registration as a relief vet in a short guide.

See the Guide

DEA Licensing FAQs for Relief Veterinarians

Get answers to the top controlled substances questions asked by Relief Veterinarians.

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Controlled Substances Templates for Relief Veterinarians

Create your own copy of these handy templates from the DEA experts at Simple Solutions for Vets:

Controlled Substances Initial Inventory Form

Controlled Substances Biennial Inventory Form

Safe Pharmacy Registration Letter - to be sent instead of submitting your DEA license number to pharmacies when prescribing non-controlled substances

Learn more about the legal requirements and AVMA recommendations for prescribing non-controlled substances.

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DEA Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

What types of records do I need to keep in my home?

If your DEA registration is registered to your home AND you maintain a controlled substance inventory, you should keep current copies of your state licenses, DEA registration, and an initial inventory (template here) reflecting a "zero" balance. These should be “readily retrievable” in the specific area of your home you have indicated on address line 2 of your DEA registration (e.g. home office, first floor closet, etc.).

Am I able to dispense controlled substances in house while working under the DEA license of the Vet that ordered the product?

Typically, no. Unless the hospital you are working at has a DEA institutional registration (such as a teaching hospital), you cannot conduct activities like prescribing/dispensing under their registration. Most veterinary facilities are using controlled substances under a DVM's individual practitioner registration, and the ability to prescribe under a DEA practitioner registration is not a delegable activity. Confirm the type of DEA registration the hospital holds.

Without a DEA registration, you cannot write a prescription for controlled substances. Because a DEA registration is required to prescribe controlled substances and controlled substances can only be dispensed after a valid prescription is issued, without a DEA registration the only activity you can do is administer controlled substances according to state-specific supervision laws.

Any time in-house dispensing takes place, you must make sure you’re following all state board of pharmacy rules as states have varying requirements for in-house dispensing based on where you practice.

If I want to work relief in a different state than my DEA registration, what do I need to do?

First, check if the shift card lists DEA license as a requirement; DEA licenses are not required for all Roo shifts.

If you plan on working relief part-time in another state and want the ability to prescribe in-house, dispense, etc., first you’ll need a valid veterinary medical license in that state. Then, you can apply online for a DEA practitioner registration via the DEA website. Check the state’s controlled substance requirements as these vary by state.

You must obtain all licenses required by the state prior to working a Roo shift where a DEA license is required.

How do I change my home address on my DEA registration if I’m moving?

If you are moving, and your primary location will be your new home, you can use your home address as your new registered location of record. Remember to indicate a specific area of your home you will desginate as your "registered space" on address line 2 of your registration. You can update this online by logging onto the DEA website and updating your address once you move. The DEA will then email you a updated registration PDF within one business day of the change. Once you’re registered in your new home state, you’ll have the ability to use your DEA registration within that state to prescribe and work at multiple locations.

Keep in mind that if you will perform relief work in any states outside of your home state, you’ll need to first obtain the required state licenses for those additional states and then obtain a separate DEA registration for that state.

A practice is asking for a physical copy of my DEA registration, what should I do?

That is becoming more common with practices wanting to ensure Relief Vets have a valid DEA registration. You should allow a practice to verify your DEA registration to confirm its validity. If you do not want to give them a copy to retain, you can indicate that and offer to provide verification of your DEA registration in person. Let them know that for security reasons, you do not wish to have it remain on file.

Don’t see your question answered here? We’ve got vet med DEA experts Peter Weinstein and Kelley Detweiler here to answer your questions, just fill out this form, and you’ll receive an emailed response.

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Licensing & Professional Resources

DVM & DEA Licensing Made Easy

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State DVM Licensing Guides

Nomadic Vet: A Journey of Community, Flexibility, and Balance

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