Given the ongoing opioid epidemic, there is a desire to strengthen the chain of custody and security around how controlled substances are handled and shipped. Current DEA law requires appropriate paperwork to track the medications as they move from pharmacy to practitioner.

Pharmacies like AIS can continue dispensing intrathecal controlled substances directly to clinics, provided that the addressee is a DEA-registered practitioner, and the patient and practitioner both sign a Power of Attorney (“POA”).

DEA requires a POA for any pharmacy to dispense intrathecal controlled substances to clinics. It is not an AIS-specific requirement. All pharmacies must comply. The POA is compliant with DEA law and allows clinics to ensure that there is no impact on continuity of care.

No. They only sign a POA if they are receiving controlled substances. For example, they do not require a POA for Prialt or Baclofen as these are not controlled substances.

We have drafted the POA so that you only need to sign it once. Each one of your patients will be required to sign their own POA once, which they can do when they come into your office for their next refill. New patients need to complete the form immediately.

We have created a basic form that we can adapt to your specific circumstances and the laws of the state where the controlled substances will be shipped. To complete this form, please contact your Regional Sales Manager, Account Resource Manager or Customer Service at 877.443.4006 and ask to speak with our POA team. We can assist you in filling out your form and then sending it to you to sign.

Once the POA has been executed in full, we need a copy of it so we can dispense future medication to your clinic. If you use the online notary, a copy of the POA form will be automatically returned to AIS. If you are using your own notary, fully executed POA forms can be faxed to AIS at 888.298.2220, emailed via encryption to cspoa@aiscaregroup.com, or mailed to the following address 623 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157, Attention: FS Document Management.

You need to complete the POA form as soon as possible to be compliant with DEA requirements. Recognizing that this may be a logistical challenge, AIS has engaged an online notary service, called Proof, for you to use free of charge. Clinics may also use their own notary service if available.

No. Unfortunately, the DEA prohibits pharmacies from dispensing controlled substances to a nurse or other intermediary who would then transport and administer the medication at the patient’s home.

As of September 15, 2024, AIS stopped dispensing controlled substances to our nurses so they can take them to patients’ homes. Instead, patients should get their pumps refilled in your clinic. Please note that our Home Connect Nursing Program will continue to serve home patients who are not receiving controlled substances.

We understand there may be a small number of patients whose health condition is such that it would not be safe for them to be transported to a clinic. In those rare circumstances, we would like to work with you to determine the best possible way to service those patients. If you have a patient who may be in need of an alternate delivery procedure, please reach out to us by calling 877.443.4006 and ask for the POA team.