THE BOOKLET WAS PREPARED BY A DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION (DEA) COMMITTEE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. IT OPENS WITH THE WARNING THAT PRACTICES ALLOWED UNDER FEDERAL LAW MAY BE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAWS. THE BACKGROUND AND ROLE OF THE DEA ARE REVIEWED BRIEFLY. THE FIVE SCHEDULES OF DRUGS THAT FALL WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT ARE PRESENTED. THE SCHEDULES CLASSIFY SPECIFIC DRUGS ACCORDING TO THEIR POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE. INFORMATION IS PRESENTED ON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICIANS WHO ADMINISTER, PRESCRIBE, OR DISPENSE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES; RESTRICTIONS ON THE ACTIVITIES OF INTERNS, RESIDENTS, AND FOREIGN PHYSICIANS EMPLOYED BY HOSPITALS THAT ARE REGISTERED WITH DEA; INVENTORY AND OTHER RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICIANS WHO DISPENSE NARCOTICS; PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING SCHEDULE II DRUGS (THOSE WITH A MEDICAL PURPOSE BUT ALSO A HIGH ABUSE POTENTIAL); AND THE ISSUANCE OF PRESCRIPTIONS FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. OTHER SECTIONS COVER THE RETURN OF REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES UPON DISCONTINUING MEDICAL PRACTICE, SECURITY, DRUG THEFT REPORTING, AND DEA REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMS, INCLUDING METHADONE CLINICS. SAMPLES OF FORMS USED TO APPLY FOR DEA REGISTRATION AND TO ORDER SCHEDULE II DRUGS ARE PROVIDED TOGETHER WITH LIST OF DEA REGIONAL OFFICES. (LKM)