MSA News - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Reschedules Hydrocodone Combination Products (HCPs)
On Friday, August 22nd the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published in the Federal Register the Final Rule moving hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) from Schedule III to the more-restrictive Schedule II status.
On Friday, August 22nd the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published in the Federal Register the Final Rule moving hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) from Schedule III to the more-restrictive Schedule II, as recommended by the Assistant Secretary for Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and as supported by the DEA’s own evaluation of relevant data. The Federal Register made the Final Rule available for preview on its website.
This Final Rule imposes the regulatory controls and sanctions applicable to Schedule II substances on those who handle or propose to handle HCPs. The rule goes into effect On October 6, 2014. DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart said “Almost seven million Americans abuse controlled-substance prescription medications, including opioid painkillers, resulting in more deaths from prescription drug overdoses than auto accidents. Today’s action recognizes that these products are some of the most addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications available.”
The impact for Medicare Set Asides could be enormous given the fact that HCPs are the most prescribed medication for Workers Compensation, Disability and other associated insurance lines. Detailed information on the scheduling and rescheduling process can be found beginning on page 8 of Drugs of Abuse on the DEA’s website .