What is needed to obtain controlled substances in an animal facility?

• A. A prescription
• B. IACUC special exemption
• C. Federal and/or state licenses
• D. Availability of a special dedicated room for their use

Answer: (C)

Handling and obtaining controlled substances in an animal facility is governed by legal registrations. An institution must have federal (and often state) licenses to possess, purchase, and dispense these drugs. This registration with the appropriate authorities (such as the DEA and state equivalents) is what legally allows the facility to receive controlled substances from suppliers and to maintain proper inventories, security, and recordkeeping. A prescription isn’t how a facility acquires these drugs, since they aren’t being issued to individual animal patients through a clinician in the same way. IACUC oversight governs animal care and protocol approvals, not the licensing required to obtain controlled substances. While having a dedicated storage area aids compliance and security, it doesn’t authorize purchase on its own—the licenses do.