Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

Who is authorized to sign a DEA Form 222 order form?

1. Pharmacy technicians

2. Licensed pharmacists

3. Individuals with power of attorney

4. Pharmacy managers

The correct answer is: Individuals with power of attorney

The correct response is rooted in the regulations surrounding controlled substances as stipulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). A DEA Form 222 is specifically utilized for ordering Schedule I and II controlled substances. Regarding authorization, the form must be signed by an individual who has been granted power of attorney by the registrant, meaning they have the legal authority to act on behalf of the registrant to handle such transactions. While licensed pharmacists can order controlled substances, they must have the appropriate authorizations, such as power of attorney, to sign a DEA Form 222. Similarly, pharmacy managers, depending on their position and the policies of their pharmacy, may or may not have the authority unless they have been assigned that responsibility. Pharmacy technicians are typically not authorized to sign the DEA Form 222 as they do not possess the necessary credentials or authority to engage in actions regulating controlled substances. Therefore, the legal framework is clear that only individuals with power of attorney can properly sign this order form, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and maintaining the integrity of the controlled substance ordering process.