When is a DEA number indicated with an 'X'?

A DEA number that includes an 'X' indicates that the practitioner has received special qualifications to prescribe Schedule III substances specifically for the treatment of opioid use disorder, primarily buprenorphine. This designation reflects compliance with the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000, which allows qualified practitioners to provide treatment for addiction as part of a comprehensive plan.

Practitioners with buprenorphine privileges must apply for and obtain this special DEA number, allowing them to prescribe buprenorphine in both office-based and outpatient settings. This regulation is key in the effort to combat the opioid epidemic, ensuring that only qualified individuals can prescribe medications designed for treatment of opioid dependency.

In contrast, while nurse practitioners and mid-level practitioners have their own regulations regarding prescribing, they do not automatically receive an 'X' in their DEA number unless they have specifically obtained the qualifications for treating opioid use disorder. Similarly, the requirement for an 'X' does not extend to all practitioners who prescribe controlled substances; it is exclusively for those with buprenorphine privileges.