DEA Revokes Registration of Cincinnati Nurse Practitioner for False Fee Exemption Claim
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has revoked the DEA registration for Grace S. Joanita, N.P., a nurse practitioner based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The action was taken after Ms. Joanita was found to have provided false information on her DEA registration renewal application.
Background on the Case
On December 7, 2021, Ms. Joanita submitted a renewal application for her DEA registration number MJ5209677. The application included questions about whether she qualified for an exemption from paying the registration fee. On the form, Ms. Joanita listed a certifying official and claimed a fee exemption.
An investigation found that Ms. Joanita had not worked for the named certifying official since November 20, 2019. This meant that her claim for fee exemption was false at the time she filed her renewal application. Because of her answers on the application, her registration was renewed without payment of the required fee.
Opportunities to Correct the Filing
The DEA contacted Ms. Joanita in December 2021, January 2022, and August 2022. They provided her the opportunity to pay the required registration fee and to fill out a form regarding any changes to her fee exemption status. At the time the Order to Show Cause (OSC) was issued, Ms. Joanita had neither paid the fee nor submitted the required update form.
Legal Process and Default
On February 6, 2023, the DEA sent Ms. Joanita an Order to Show Cause, proposing to revoke her DEA registration. She was informed of her right to request a hearing and answer the allegations. Ms. Joanita did not request a hearing, file an answer, or respond to the OSC in any way.
The DEA determined that Ms. Joanita was therefore in default and that she had admitted to the factual allegations made in the OSC. The facts in the OSC were accepted as the basis for the Agency’s decision.
Findings
The DEA found that Ms. Joanita:
- Submitted a false statement on her renewal application by naming a certifying official she no longer worked for.
- Claimed fee exemption status when she was not entitled to it.
- Did not pay her registration fee as required by law and regulations.
- Did not respond to written requests or correct her application when given a chance.
Material Falsification
The DEA explained that providing false information on a renewal application is a serious violation. False statements about fee exemption are considered material because they affect the DEA’s decision to grant or renew a registration.
The government’s evidence was found to be clear and convincing. The Agency decided it met the legal standard needed to prove that Ms. Joanita materially falsified her application.
Sanctions and Final Order
When someone is found to have submitted a materially false application, the burden shifts to them to show they can be trusted with DEA registration. Ms. Joanita did not respond or accept responsibility for the violation.
The DEA stated that allowing a registrant to keep their registration after making false statements would send the wrong message. The Agency said that they must enforce the laws and require honest applications.
As a result, the DEA issued an order:
- Revoking DEA Certificate of Registration No. MJ5209677 for Grace S. Joanita, N.P.
- Denying any pending applications for renewal or modification of this registration.
- Denying any other pending applications for additional registration in Ohio from Ms. Joanita.
Order Effective Date
This order is effective November 17, 2025.
The order was signed by Administrator Terrance Cole of the Drug Enforcement Administration on October 1, 2025. The document was published in the Federal Register by Heather Achbach, DEA Federal Register Liaison Officer.
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