DEA Places 4-Chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act Estimated reading time: 4–6 minutes On November 17, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a final rule in the Federal Register. This rule adds 4-Chloromethcathinone (also known as 4-CMC, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one) to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). 4-CMC and its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers will now be subject to the same strict rules as other Schedule I drugs. Why Is 4-CMC Being Scheduled? The United States is part of an international agreement called the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This agreement asks countries to control certain drugs that might be abused. The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs made a decision in 2020 to control 4-CMC. The U.S. must now control it too. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the DEA both did reports on 4-CMC. They reviewed scientific and medical information and decided 4-CMC should be placed in Schedule I. What Is 4-CMC? 4-CMC is a central nervous system stimulant. It is similar to other drugs like amphetamine, methamphetamine, and synthetic cathinones (such as 4-MEC and 4-FMC). What Does Schedule I Mean? Drugs in Schedule I: Have a high potential for abuse. Have no currently accepted medical use in the United States. Lack safe use even under medical supervision. HHS confirmed that 4-CMC has no medical use and is not an approved medicine. No healthcare experts in the U.S. accept it for treatment. There is not enough information about its safety. Public Comments When the DEA first announced this idea, people could give comments or ask for a hearing. One person commented against the scheduling, saying it could stop possible medical research. DEA replied that placing 4-CMC in Schedule I does not stop research. Researchers can apply for special permission to study Schedule I drugs. Rules for Handling 4-CMC Starting December 17, 2025: Anyone who makes, sells, gives out, imports, exports, studies, uses, or owns 4-CMC must register with the DEA. Anyone who does not register cannot handle 4-CMC. People who have 4-CMC but do not want to register must give their 4-CMC to someone registered or dispose of it properly. 4-CMC must be stored safely according to strict rules. Labels and packaging must follow the law. Only certain manufacturers can make 4-CMC, and they need DEA-approved quotas. DEA registrants must keep records and take inventories of 4-CMC. Reports must be sent to the DEA as required. Special order forms are needed to distribute 4-CMC. All importing and exporting 4-CMC must follow DEA regulations. Doing anything not allowed by DEA rules is illegal and can lead to punishment. Other Information This rule will not have a big economic effect on small businesses. There are no major government costs or big paperwork burdens. The rule will not change relationships between the U.S. government and state, local, or tribal governments. Listed in the Federal Register 4-CMC is now officially listed in Schedule I as follows:“4-Chloromethcathinone (4-CMC, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one)” with code number 1239. Key Dates Rule published: November 17, 2025 Effective date: December 17, 2025 Contact for Questions Dr. Terrence L. BoosDrug and Chemical Evaluation SectionDiversion Control Division, DEATelephone: (571) 362-3249 Signed by:Terrance Cole, Administrator, DEAHeather Achbach, Federal Register Liaison Officer, DEA Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

ATF Proposes Revisions to Form 1: Application to Make and Register NFA Firearm Estimated reading time: 5–8 minutes On October 30, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) announced proposed changes to the information collection process for ATF Form 5320.1, also called “Form 1.” Form 1 is the document people use to apply to make and register a National Firearms Act (NFA) firearm. Public Comment Period Open The ATF is accepting written public comments for 30 days, until midnight on December 1, 2025. Comments should be submitted online at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. People can search for this collection using the title or OMB control number 1140-0015. What is Changing? ATF is revising Form 1 for several reasons: The number of applicants has increased. There are now an estimated 148,975 applicants, up from 25,716. The time to complete the form is now less. Better technology means fewer people need to provide fingerprints and photos, and electronic systems have made the process faster. Only one copy of the form needs to be filled out. You do not need to send an extra copy to local law enforcement anymore. Detailed Form Updates The title of the form is being revised to be clearer. The photo box is being removed. Now you can attach either a passport-style photo or a copy of a photo ID document. Race and ethnicity questions are being combined. More types of electronic and digital signatures will be allowed. The fillable PDF will now link copy 1 and copy 2, except for the checkboxes and signature. References to eForms (electronic forms) and Pay.gov are being added. The form will now include instructions on how to get a refund. The requirement to notify Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) and submit an extra copy has been removed. Married couples jointly making, transferring, or registering a firearm will get new instructions, as an ‘other legal entity.’ Minor grammar mistakes are being fixed. There will be email addresses for questions about the form. Changes to the Tax Requirement Item 1a: Applicants must submit a $200 tax payment for each machinegun or destructive device. The tax can be paid by card, check, money order, or through Pay.gov. Item 1b: For other types of firearms, the tax is $0, and item 19 does not need to be completed. Impact on Applicants The estimated time per respondent is now 12 minutes, down from 30 minutes. The total annual time burden for all applicants is now 29,795 hours. The total estimated annual cost burden (excluding time) is $685,285. Comments and ATF Response One dealer supported removing the requirement to send a copy to CLEOs, saying this prevents CLEOs from accidentally creating a firearms registry. The commenter supported digital signatures and using copies of photo IDs, rather than photographs and fingerprints. ATF replied that the changes reflect a broader move to modernize and digitize NFA forms. The agency expects to move to online-only forms in 2026. Where to Get More Information For questions or copies of the documents, contact Meghan Tisserand at the National Firearms Act Division (304-616-3219) or Darwin Arceo at the Department of Justice. Summary ATF’s changes to Form 1 are designed to make the process of applying to make and register NFA firearms faster, easier, and more modern, with less paperwork and more digital options. Public comments are welcome until December 1, 2025. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

ATF Announces Big Changes to NFA Firearm Transfer Form (Form 4) Estimated reading time: 4–6 minutes The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is making big changes to Form 5320.4, also called “Form 4.” This is the form you use to transfer and register National Firearms Act (NFA) guns. These changes will help make the form easier and faster to fill out. The ATF is asking people to send in comments about these changes by December 1, 2025. Comments can be submitted online at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain by searching for “Application To Transfer and Register NFA Firearm (Tax-Paid)” or the OMB control number “1140-0014”. Who is Affected? This information collection affects state, local, and tribal governments, individuals and families, private businesses, and even the federal government. People with NFA firearms have to apply to the ATF for approval to transfer or register their firearm using Form 4. The approved Form 4 is proof that the gun is legally registered. Important Changes to Form 4 The number of people filling out this form has gone up a lot, from 123,339 last time to 546,424 now. The average time to finish the form is now just 12 minutes, down from 30 minutes. Many steps can now be done electronically. This lets people use digital fingerprints, digital signatures, photos from cell phones, and photocopies of IDs. The extra requirement to send a copy of the form to local law enforcement (CLEO) is being removed. The online fillable form now makes a second copy automatically. The estimated total time people will spend on this a year is now 109,285 hours, which is much less than before. The estimated total other annual costs will be $2,513,555. Updates to the Tax Section The $5 transfer tax box in Item 1 has been removed and replaced with a $0 box. The instructions now state: “The transfer tax is $200.00 for machineguns and destructive devices. The transfer tax is $0.00 for other types of firearms.” Other Major Form Revisions The title of the form is now clearer. The photo box has been removed. People can now use either a passport-style photo or a copy of a photo ID. Race and ethnicity items are now combined. More types of digital signatures can be used. The fillable online form now links copy 1 and 2, so both are filled out at the same time. New references to eForms and pay.gov have been added. There are instructions for getting a refund. The CLEO notification and extra copy are removed. There are now instructions for married couples filling out the form together as a legal entity. There are email addresses for help with different questions. Typographical and grammar corrections have been made. Public and ATF Feedback One NFA firearms dealer submitted a comment. This person supported the changes. They liked the removal of the CLEO copy requirement and the push for more digital options. They said digital signatures and allowing a photo of a photo ID or cell phone photo made things easier. ATF said they value feedback. They explained they are moving all NFA forms to electronic options. Full online submissions are planned for 2026. Other NFA forms are also getting updated. For More Information Contact Darwin Arceo, Department Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Justice, 145 N Street NE, Suite 4W-218, Washington, DC 20530. You can also contact Meghan Tisserand at the National Firearms Act Division for more help. Deadline If you have thoughts about these changes, you must submit your comments by December 1, 2025. Visit www.reginfo.gov for more details. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

ATF Announces Changes to NFA Firearm Transfer Form (Form 5) Estimated reading time: 5–7 minutes On October 30, 2025, the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) published a notice in the Federal Register. The notice details proposed changes to the Application To Transfer and Register NFA Firearm (Tax-Exempt), also known as ATF Form 5320.5, or Form 5. The Form and Its Purpose Form 5 is used by people who need permission to transfer and register certain firearms covered under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Sometimes, these transfers do not need a tax because of special tax exemptions. People use Form 5 to claim these exemptions. ATF uses the form to check if the transfer is legal under federal, state, and local law. Some examples of use: Transferring a firearm from an estate to a beneficiary. Transferring firearms due to bankruptcy. Temporarily transferring firearms for repair and return. Who Uses the Form? The affected public includes: Federal, state, and local government agencies. People selling unserviceable firearms. Required Information To use the form, applicants need: To provide information about themselves and the firearm. If claiming a tax exemption, to give information supporting the claim. Why Is This Important? ATF is revising this information collection for several reasons: Respondents increased from 10,591 to 17,322 over three years. Time to complete the form dropped from 30 to 12 minutes. Improvements in technology allow more of the process to be done online or electronically. Fewer people must provide fingerprints or photographs. It is now easier to use cell phone photos or photocopied IDs. Copies of the form can be filled at the same time. The requirement to send an extra copy to local law enforcement is going away. The total time burden for all users dropped by 1,866 hours. The yearly total burden is now about 3,464 hours. The estimated yearly cost is $79,672. Changes to Form 5 Some changes include: A clearer title for the form. No more photo box; applicants can attach a photo or a copy of photo ID. Race and ethnicity items are now combined. More electronic and digital signature types are allowed. The form will automatically fill in copy 2 as copy 1 is completed. References to eForms and pay.gov have been added. Instructions for the refund process are included. The CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) notification requirement and copy are removed. New instructions for married couples applying together as a legal entity. Grammar and typo corrections. Email addresses for help and questions are added. Public Comments and ATF Response One firearm dealer commented during the 60-day period. The dealer supported: Removing the need to send a form to local law enforcement. Modernizing the form, including allowing digital signatures. Accepting photo IDs instead of a 2-inch by 2-inch photograph. Ending the fingerprint requirement for each application. ATF responded positively. The agency said all NFA forms are being updated and moved to electronic versions. Electronic signatures and fillable forms are becoming available. ATF plans to have all forms online by 2026. How to Comment ATF is accepting public comments about these changes until December 1, 2025. Comments can be sent online at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain by searching for the title or OMB control number 1140-0015. For more information, contact Meghan Tisserand at the National Firearms Act Division, or Darwin Arceo at the Department of Justice. Dated: October 28, 2025 Source: Federal Register, Volume 90, Number 208, Pages 48903–48904. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Denies Registration for MCRGC, LLC to Grow Marijuana Estimated reading time: 5–7 minutes Background On May 7, 2024, the DEA sent an Order to Show Cause to MCRGC, LLC. This order explained that MCRGC, LLC’s application to grow marijuana might be denied because it did not meet certain legal requirements. Reasons for Denial The DEA found that MCRGC, LLC did not have: A physical location where it could grow marijuana and that the DEA could inspect. A DEA Schedule I researcher certificate of registration for marijuana. A real supply agreement with a registered DEA Schedule I researcher who has an approved research plan. A complete and accurate application as required. Hearing Process MCRGC, LLC was told it could ask for a hearing about its application. The DEA mailed and emailed the Order to Show Cause to the company. MCRGC, LLC replied to the email but did not ask for a hearing within 30 days. Because of this, the company was considered in default. This means that the DEA viewed all the facts in the Order as true. Legal Standards The law says that the DEA can only give registration to grow controlled substances like marijuana if doing so is consistent with the public interest. The DEA must also follow treaty obligations and make sure there are controls to prevent illegal use or theft. Rules require that the DEA can inspect where the drugs would be made. For marijuana, there are extra criteria, including having proper researcher registration and supply agreements. Findings Because MCRGC, LLC did not respond in time, its admission that it had no physical facility, no researcher registration, no supply contract, and an incomplete application was accepted. The DEA reviewed the facts and found that approving the application would not be in the public interest. Order and Authority The DEA Administrator officially denied the application from MCRGC, LLC. Any other applications from the company to grow marijuana are also denied as of November 20, 2025. Document Details This decision was signed by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole on October 9, 2025. The document was filed and made official by Heather Achbach, the DEA Federal Register Liaison Officer. The Federal Register published this notice on October 21, 2025. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Revokes Dr. James Orrington II’s Right to Handle Controlled Substances Estimated reading time: 5 minutes The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has revoked the registration of Dr. James Orrington II, D.D.S., of Chicago, Illinois. This action means Dr. Orrington can no longer handle controlled substances in the state of Illinois. The DEA sent an Order to Show Cause to Dr. Orrington on May 23, 2025. The order said he was not allowed to handle controlled substances in Illinois. The order also warned that if he did not respond, he would lose his right to a hearing. Dr. Orrington did not answer the order or ask for a hearing. This means he is in default. The DEA explained how they tried to contact Dr. Orrington. First, they tried to call him and visit his address. When these steps failed, they mailed the order to his address. The mail was not returned. Then, they emailed the order to him. That email was also not returned. Because none of these attempts failed, the DEA said Dr. Orrington was given enough notice. According to the facts, Dr. Orrington’s Illinois dental and controlled substance licenses were suspended on May 23, 2024. The DEA checked online records and confirmed that his licenses remain suspended. This means Dr. Orrington is not allowed to practice as a dentist or handle controlled substances in Illinois. The law says a dentist must have a valid state license to handle these substances. The Controlled Substances Act requires practitioners to have state authority. Since Dr. Orrington’s licenses are suspended, he does not meet this rule. The DEA cited laws and past cases to support its decision. According to 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(3), the Attorney General can revoke a registration if a state license is suspended. Illinois law defines who can dispense controlled substances, and Dr. Orrington is not currently authorized to do so. Because his licenses are not active, Dr. Orrington cannot keep his DEA registration. The DEA’s final order says Dr. Orrington’s registration number BO7484811 is revoked. Any requests by Dr. Orrington to renew, change, or add new registrations in Illinois are also denied. This order takes effect on November 19, 2025. The order was signed by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole on October 9, 2025. The official document was filed for publication in the Federal Register by the DEA Federal Register Liaison Officer, Heather Achbach. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Revokes Dr. Abolghasem Rezaei’s Registration to Handle Controlled Substances in Oklahoma Estimated reading time: 1–7 minutes On October 20, 2025, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that it is revoking the Certificate of Registration No. FR0228747 for Dr. Abolghasem Rezaei of Lawton, Oklahoma. The decision was published in the Federal Register, Volume 90, Number 200. Order to Show Cause Issued On May 22, 2025, the DEA issued an Order to Show Cause (OSC) to Dr. Rezaei. The OSC stated that Dr. Rezaei was “currently without authority to prescribe, administer, dispense, or otherwise handle controlled substances in the State of Oklahoma.” This was the state where Dr. Rezaei was registered with the DEA. Dr. Rezaei was informed of his right to request a hearing. He did not file a request, and as a result, the DEA considered him to be in default. This meant that he admitted to the factual claims in the OSC. Oklahoma License Suspended The facts listed in the OSC proved that on December 5, 2024, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDD) suspended Dr. Rezaei’s OBNDD registration. On February 13, 2025, the OBNDD upheld the suspension. Oklahoma online records confirmed Dr. Rezaei’s OBNDD registration is inactive. This means he is not allowed to handle controlled substances in Oklahoma. Legal Requirements for Registration Federal law, under 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(3), says the DEA can revoke a registration if the state’s license is suspended or revoked. For a medical practitioner to have a DEA registration, they must have state authority to dispense controlled substances. Oklahoma law requires every person who dispenses, prescribes, or uses controlled substances in the state to have an OBNDD registration. Dr. Rezaei’s registration is not active, so he cannot handle controlled substances. Final Decision and Order Based on these facts, the DEA found that Dr. Rezaei is not authorized to handle controlled substances in Oklahoma. Because of this, he cannot keep his DEA registration. Dr. Rezaei’s DEA Certificate of Registration No. FR0228747 is revoked. Any pending applications by Dr. Rezaei to renew or modify this registration are also denied. Any other pending applications for registration in Oklahoma are also denied. Effective Date This order is effective as of November 19, 2025. Authority The official decision was signed on October 9, 2025, by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. The document was prepared for publication by Heather Achbach, Federal Register Liaison Officer, Drug Enforcement Administration. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Denies Registration Application of Dr. Ali Elhorr Estimated reading time: 4–6 minutes On October 20, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a decision to deny Dr. Ali Elhorr’s application for a DEA Certificate of Registration. Dr. Elhorr is a physician from Dearborn, Michigan. Reasons for Denial Dr. Elhorr’s application was denied for two main reasons: Mandatory Exclusion from Federal Health Programs: Dr. Elhorr was found to be excluded from Medicare, Medicaid, and all Federal health care programs. This exclusion began on February 20, 2017, for a minimum of 15 years. The exclusion was issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, after Dr. Elhorr pled guilty to health care fraud in 2016. Material Falsification of DEA Application: On October 19, 2022, Dr. Elhorr applied for a DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances. The application asked if he had ever been excluded from Medicare or state health programs. Dr. Elhorr answered “No.” At the time, he was already excluded from these programs. The DEA found this to be a false statement and a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Procedural Details Dr. Elhorr was personally served an Order to Show Cause (OSC) on June 3, 2025. He was informed that he could request a hearing. The DEA did not receive any response or request for a hearing from Dr. Elhorr. This counted as a default, meaning Dr. Elhorr was found to admit to all facts in the OSC. Legal Findings The DEA reviewed all evidence. The agency decided that Dr. Elhorr: Was mandatorily excluded from federal programs. Falsified his DEA application when he answered “No” to being excluded. Did not accept responsibility for these actions since he did not respond to the OSC. Each of these reasons, by themselves, was enough for the DEA to deny his application. Importance of Compliance The DEA stated that strict rules are important for controlling drugs and fighting drug abuse. Allowing someone who did not follow the rules to receive a registration would send a wrong message. Final Order The DEA denied Dr. Elhorr’s application for DEA registration, as well as any other pending applications in Michigan. This order is effective as of November 19, 2025. Official Signatures The document was signed by Administrator Terrance Cole on October 9, 2025. The notice was officially published by the Federal Register Liaison Officer of the DEA, Heather Achbach. References This news post is based on Federal Register Volume 90, Number 200 (Monday, October 20, 2025), pages 48375-48378. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Revokes Registrations of Dr. Chantal F. Nouvellon, D.O. Estimated reading time: 4 minutes The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has revoked the Certificates of Registration for Dr. Chantal F. Nouvellon, D.O. The decision was announced in the Federal Register on October 20, 2025. On April 2, 2025, the DEA issued an Order to Show Cause to Dr. Nouvellon. The DEA proposed revoking her DEA registrations, BN5595775 and FN5439016. The reason was that Dr. Nouvellon no longer had authority to handle controlled substances in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These are the states where she was registered with the DEA. The Order to Show Cause told Dr. Nouvellon she could ask for a hearing. She did not request a hearing. The DEA decided she was in default. By regulation, default means she gave up her right to a hearing and admitted the facts in the DEA’s order. The DEA served the order by email to Dr. Nouvellon’s attorney and later directly to her. Dr. Nouvellon responded by saying she was not prescribing since her suspension. There was no further response from her. According to the DEA, Dr. Nouvellon’s Massachusetts medical license was suspended on October 17, 2024. Online records show her Massachusetts license is still suspended. The DEA also found that her New Hampshire license was suspended on December 20, 2024, and it remains suspended. Because Dr. Nouvellon is not licensed in either state, she cannot practice medicine or handle controlled substances there. The rules say a doctor must have state authority to handle controlled substances. Without a valid state license, a doctor cannot have a DEA registration. Massachusetts law defines a “practitioner” as a person registered to handle controlled substances in the state. New Hampshire law says that only a properly licensed practitioner may prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled drugs. With both state licenses suspended, Dr. Nouvellon is not allowed to handle controlled substances in either state. As a result, her DEA registrations for those states have been revoked. The order, signed by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, also denies any pending applications for Dr. Nouvellon to renew or change her DEA registrations. It also denies any new applications for registration in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. The order takes effect on November 19, 2025. The order was processed according to DEA procedures and published for official record. Source: Federal Register, Volume 90, Number 200, October 20, 2025, Pages 48378-48379. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Revokes Registration of Cincinnati Nurse Practitioner for False Fee Exemption Claim Estimated reading time: 3–5 minutes 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. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Grants Registration to Dr. Shannon Wagner After Review Estimated reading time: 7–9 minutes On October 17, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced its decision in the case of Dr. Shannon Wagner, D.O., from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dr. Wagner had applied for a DEA Certificate of Registration, which allows doctors to prescribe certain medicines. The Government had given Dr. Wagner an Order to Show Cause on August 13, 2024. This means the government asked Dr. Wagner to explain why they should not deny her application. The Government said Dr. Wagner had been excluded from all federal health care programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, under 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7(a). There was a hearing before DEA Administrative Law Judge Teresa A. Wallbaum. She gave her decision on February 21, 2025, and said Dr. Wagner’s application should be granted. The DEA reviewed the whole record and agreed with the judge. Background and Events On August 21, 2014, in a Michigan federal court, Dr. Wagner pleaded guilty to conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks and to filing a false tax return. Based on these crimes, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) excluded her from all federal health care programs for 13 years, starting from December 18, 2014. This exclusion will end in 2027. The DEA found clear proof that Dr. Wagner is currently excluded from these programs. The law lets the DEA deny a registration if the person is excluded from federal health care programs. Dr. Wagner’s Response Dr. Wagner admitted to her mistakes. She said her actions were wrong and took the blame for her crimes. She said she should have stopped the illegal activity and accepted responsibility for everything, including not stopping her husband’s actions when he managed their business. Dr. Wagner also said she learned important lessons while in prison and working other jobs after her release. She worked as a waitress, delivery driver, cleaner, and more. She said these jobs humbled her and made her understand how important her medical license was. To get her medical license back in Wisconsin, Dr. Wagner worked under a limited license for a year with regular reports to the Wisconsin Medical Board. After that, she got her full license. She also took about 240 hours of continuing medical education credits, much more than the state’s minimum. Dr. Wagner is making monthly restitution payments and intends to pay off the full amount of $270,000. Remedial Measures Dr. Wagner is not married to her co-conspirator anymore. The ALJ and the DEA said that this and her actions after prison showed she took steps to make sure her crimes would not happen again. She now plans to use her medical skills to help people in prison. Other Factors The DEA said Dr. Wagner’s crimes were very serious. She was part of a seven-year health care fraud conspiracy and filed a false tax return. She spent 17 months in prison, served supervised release, lost property, and has been making consistent restitution payments. Her criminal conduct ended over 13 years ago. The DEA said Dr. Wagner’s punishment and state licensing actions were enough to prevent her from doing wrong again and to deter others. The DEA said denying her application was not needed as more punishment. Final Decision The DEA found that Dr. Wagner could be trusted with a DEA registration. She accepted responsibility, took real steps to correct her behavior, and showed insight into her past crimes. The DEA granted her application for a DEA Certificate of Registration. This order is effective immediately. The decision was signed by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole on October 1, 2025, and published in the Federal Register. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Revokes Hovic Pharmacy’s Controlled Substance Registration After Violations Estimated reading time: 5–7 minutes Background On October 20, 2021, the DEA issued an Order to Show Cause (OSC) against Hovic Pharmacy. The DEA wanted to revoke the pharmacy’s registration number FH5569112. The DEA said that Hovic’s continued registration would not be in the public interest. The case focused on Hovic Pharmacy’s filling of controlled substance prescriptions. The prescriptions were often filled outside the usual course of pharmacy practice. The pharmacy did not follow its “corresponding responsibility” under federal rules and Texas law. Investigations and Findings DEA presented evidence from an independent pharmacy expert and several declarations. The expert found multiple “red flags” in prescription data. These red flags showed a risk of drug abuse and diversion for illegal street sales. A person known as “Recruiter” was at the center of the scheme. Recruiter pled guilty to conspiracy to dispense and distribute hydrocodone. Recruiter’s declaration showed that the scheme ran from at least 2017 to 2020. Recruiter recruited others to act as patients. They got controlled substance prescriptions from doctors, then filled them at Hovic. Recruiter picked up the drugs, forging patient signatures or signing their own name. The drugs were then sold on the street. Hovic Pharmacy’s staff rarely questioned the prescriptions. The staff did not ask for identification or proof of authority for pick-up. Hovic’s pharmacists even told Recruiter how to pick up drugs for others and suggested signing the signature log with fake or real names. One pharmacist lent Recruiter up to $800 to pay for doctor visits, expecting to be repaid after street sales. Expert Review Dr. Diane Ginsburg, a registered pharmacist and expert, reviewed the government’s evidence. She explained that pharmacy law requires pharmacists to catch and resolve red flags before filling prescriptions for dangerous drugs. These drugs included hydrocodone, alprazolam, carisoprodol, and promethazine with codeine. Dr. Ginsburg found that Hovic’s staff did not try to resolve red flags and did not document consultations as required by law. Hovic Pharmacy filled about 138 prescriptions with combinations of these drugs, called “cocktails.” These cocktails are known to be high-risk for abuse. The pharmacy also filled monthly or repeated prescriptions for promethazine with codeine for three people, which is a red flag for abuse. The pharmacy filled many prescriptions from doctors who issued the same or similar prescriptions to different people, known as “pattern prescribing.” Hovic filled these without investigating the red flags. Some individuals also used “pharmacy shopping,” getting controlled substances at multiple pharmacies, including Hovic. Again, Hovic failed to resolve the red flags. Over eighteen months, Hovic Pharmacy released about 13,135 controlled substance tablets and about a 3,478 days’ supply of promethazine with codeine into the community. These drugs are commonly abused and frequently diverted. Legal Standards and Violations Federal law says a prescription for a controlled substance must be for a legitimate medical purpose. Both the prescribing doctor and the pharmacist have responsibilities. Texas law also sets standards and requires pharmacists to identify and resolve red flags. Written records are required for consultations with doctors about prescriptions. The DEA determined that Hovic Pharmacy broke both federal and Texas laws. The pharmacy failed to resolve questions about prescriptions and released large amounts of dangerous drugs into the community. This included filling prescriptions for known street dealers, filling prescriptions for others based on forged signatures, and failing to follow professional standards. Sanction Hovic Pharmacy did not show up for its scheduled hearing and presented no evidence in its defense. The DEA found that Hovic did not show any responsibility for its actions or offer any plan to prevent future issues. The DEA found that allowing Hovic to keep its registration would not protect the public. Based on the evidence, the DEA revoked Hovic Pharmacy’s certificate of registration. The DEA also denied any pending application by Hovic for renewal or modification of registration in Texas. The revocation takes effect on November 17, 2025. The DEA stressed the need to maintain trust and safety in the pharmacy community. The decision aims to deter similar conduct by others. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Denies Registration Application of David S. Pecora, P.A. Estimated reading time: 3–5 minutes On October 17, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the denial of an application for DEA controlled substances registration submitted by David S. Pecora, P.A., of Bemidji, Minnesota. The application control number was W23054133M. Reasons for Denial The DEA denied Mr. Pecora’s application because he was found to have made false statements on five DEA registration applications, including the most recent application in May 2023. The agency also found that granting registration to Mr. Pecora would not be in the public interest. Default in Proceedings Mr. Pecora was notified of the allegations and given a chance to respond. He did not request a hearing, submit an answer, or respond. Because of this, the DEA determined he was in default. By default, he was also considered to have admitted to the facts stated in the notice. Materially False Applications The DEA determined that Mr. Pecora submitted applications with answers that were false or incomplete. On earlier applications, he answered “no” to questions about past suspensions or denials of state professional licenses, when in fact: In July 2007, his West Virginia registered nursing license was suspended. In October 2008, his Florida registered nursing license was suspended. In July 2012, his application for a physician assistant license in North Dakota was denied. His Minnesota physician assistant license was suspended and reinstated several times between 2014 and 2023. He also failed to truthfully report if he ever surrendered a DEA registration for cause. Repeated False Answers On his applications from January 2012, October 2013, January 2016, February 2020 (renewal), and May 2023, Mr. Pecora did not disclose all adverse actions taken against his medical and nursing licenses or his previous surrenders of DEA registrations. The DEA found these omissions and false statements to be material, which means they were important for making a decision on whether to grant or deny a registration. Findings About Controlled Substance Abuse and Diversion The DEA record shows: In 2007, Mr. Pecora was addicted to zolpidem, a controlled substance, and underwent addiction treatment. In 2013, while being monitored for drug abuse, he wrote prescriptions for carisoprodol (Soma) for two volleyball teammates, in return for some of the pills for his own use. He ordered carisoprodol online for personal use while in addiction treatment. He tested positive without a prescription for carisoprodol. In November 2020, Mr. Pecora stole propofol, another controlled substance, from an operating room for personal use. Public Safety and DEA Standards The DEA found that Mr. Pecora’s actions included diverting controlled substances for himself by fraudulent prescriptions and theft. He demonstrated a lengthy history of substance abuse and failed to comply with controlled substances laws. Under the Controlled Substances Act, the DEA must deny a registration if granting it would not be in the public interest. The agency found Mr. Pecora’s conduct threatened public health and safety. Sanction and Final Decision Mr. Pecora’s failure to respond was considered a lack of acceptance of responsibility for his actions. The DEA concluded he could not be trusted with a DEA registration. Therefore, the DEA denied his application for registration. The denial also affects any other pending applications from Mr. Pecora for registration in Minnesota. The order is effective as of November 17, 2025. Document Signed This decision was signed by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole on October 1, 2025. Heather Achbach, Federal Register Liaison Officer, confirmed the publication. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

Department of Justice Receives Membership Update from OpenGMSL Association Estimated reading time: 3–5 minutes The U.S. Department of Justice has announced an update related to the OpenGMSL Association. This update was published in the Federal Register on October 3, 2025. On September 22, 2025, OpenGMSL Association filed written notifications with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission. These notifications are required under Section 6(a) of the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This law helps limit the recovery of antitrust plaintiffs to actual damages in certain situations. The update lists new members that have joined the OpenGMSL Association. The new members are: Alfamation, an InTest Company, Lissone, Italy Analog Devices Inc., Wilmington, MA ASTRODESIGN, Inc., Tokyo, Japan Beijing ESWIN Computing Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, People’s Republic of China Core Microelectronics, Sariyer, Turkey Granite River Labs, Santa Clara, CA Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan Qualcomm Incorporated, San Diego, CA ROHM Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan Rsemi Zhiyuan (Hangzhou) Semiconductor Science and Technology Limited Company, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China Samsung Electronics, Hwaseong-si, Republic of Korea SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, People’s Republic of China TDK Corporation, Tokyo, Japan Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance, Creteil, France No other changes have been made to the group’s membership or planned activities. The OpenGMSL Association states that membership remains open. The association plans to file more notifications for any future changes in membership. The original notification about this group was filed on June 30, 2025. It was published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2025, under entry 90 FR 38998. This update was formally published by Suzanne Morris, Deputy Director for Civil Enforcement Operations at the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

DEA Proposes to Regulate P2P Methyl Glycidic Acid as a List I Chemical Estimated reading time: 4–8 minutes The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has proposed a new rule. The rule would make P2P methyl glycidic acid, also called 2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid or BMK glycidic acid, a List I chemical. This chemical and its different forms are used to make illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and amphetamine. Background of the Chemical P2P methyl glycidic acid is an important chemical for making schedule II drugs like phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), methamphetamine, and amphetamine. People in illegal labs use this chemical to make these drugs. The DEA has found that this chemical does not have any legal or industrial use, other than for research or laboratory tests in small amounts. Reports have shown that large amounts of P2P methyl glycidic acid and its salts are being made and shipped internationally, mainly from China and mostly seized in the Netherlands. Over 47 metric tons of the sodium salt and 51 metric tons of the acid have been seized since 2012. Reason for the Rule The United Nations added P2P methyl glycidic acid and its esters to its international drug control list in 2024. This means the United States is required to take action to control this chemical. By creating this rule, the DEA is meeting its obligations under the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Details of the Proposed Rule All forms of P2P methyl glycidic acid will be regulated, including its: Esters Optical and geometric isomers Salts Salts of its isomers and esters Any chemical mixture containing even a small amount of P2P methyl glycidic acid will be controlled. There will be no set minimum amount (threshold) for regulation. All amounts will be covered by the rules. Registration and Compliance Anyone who handles this chemical—manufacturers, distributors, importers, or exporters—must register with the DEA. Separate registrations are needed for different activities and locations. There is a process for temporary exemption while registration is being processed, as long as an application is submitted within 30 days after the final rule is published. Warehouses that only store the chemical for DEA-registered businesses do not need to register, but they cannot distribute the chemical to others without registration. Recordkeeping and Reporting DEA registrants must keep records and make reports of every transaction involving P2P methyl glycidic acid. These records must be kept for two years. Bulk manufacturers must file annual reports on manufacturing, inventory, and use. Any strange or suspicious transactions, losses, or thefts must be reported to the DEA. Import and Export Controls Importing and exporting P2P methyl glycidic acid will require following DEA rules and regulations. Security and Inspections Registrants must provide security to prevent theft or diversion of the chemical. The DEA can inspect places where the chemical is handled or stored. Impact and Costs The DEA states there is little to no legal use for P2P methyl glycidic acid in the United States. Any possible costs will be only for registration fees, mainly for businesses who choose to keep handling the chemical. Nine businesses have been found to offer the chemical, but actual sales likely are small. Costs to these businesses are expected to be minimal. Public Comments The DEA is asking for public comments. Comments must be submitted by November 3, 2025. Comments can be made online at https://www.regulations.gov by looking up Docket No. DEA-1395. Legal References If the rule becomes final, handling P2P methyl glycidic acid without DEA approval will be illegal. Civil, criminal, and administrative penalties can apply. How to Learn More For more information or questions, people can contact Terrence L. Boos at the DEA’s Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section by phone at (571) 362-3249. The full proposed rule is available at http://www.regulations.gov. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.