What does the second letter of a DEA number represent?

The second letter of a DEA number is indeed representative of the first letter of the prescriber’s last name. This system is designed to help identify the prescriber and validate the legitimacy of the DEA number. The DEA number format consists of two letters followed by seven digits. The first letter indicates the type of registrant, while the second letter, as mentioned, corresponds to the first letter of the prescriber’s last name, which assists in quick identification and prevention of fraud.

Understanding this structure is crucial for healthcare professionals when verifying prescriptions and ensuring that they are legitimate. This knowledge also serves as an important part of the larger context of drug regulation and monitoring, where accurate identification of prescribers plays a significant role in preventing misuse of controlled substances.