WASHINGTON – DEA’s head of Diversion Control today joined with senior Department of Health & Human Services and Office of National Drug Control Policy officials to host a listening session with health care provider groups who represent drug prescribers nationwide. The purpose of the summit was to hear concerns and develop positive solutions to the issues these providers often face.

“DEA views the nearly 1.8 million registrants across the country as our partners and it is our duty and obligation to ensure their voices are heard,” said John J. Martin, DEA Deputy Administrator who heads the Office of Diversion Control Division. “Part of DEA’s regulatory and enforcement responsibilities must include productive, ongoing dialogue with these provider groups. These efforts improve our transparency, increase communication and help law enforcement understand the many challenges these providers face.”

The groups attending today’s listening session include:

American Medical Association

American Psychiatric Association

American Academy of Family Physicians

American Academy of Physician Assistants

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

American Society of Addiction Medicine

American Academy of Pain Medicine

National Association of Community Health Centers

American Pharmacists Association

American College of Emergency Physicians

National Council for Behavioral Health

Federation of State Medical Boards

Today’s meeting continues DEA’s aggressive outreach to heath care providers, registrants, pharmacy groups, and many others who have partnered with law enforcement in addressing critical issues such as the nationwide opioid epidemic. DEA regularly hosts Practitioner Diversion Awareness Conferences around the country to educate doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other medical professionals on proper prescribing and their critical role as registrants in protecting the public and fulfilling their critical duties as part of the Controlled Substances Act.

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