Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection, eComments Requested; New Collection; Registration for CSA Data-Use Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The DEA wants to know what people think about their new plan to let businesses and groups check if someone is allowed to handle certain drugs. They want to make sure this plan is useful, easy to understand, and not too hard to do.
Summary AI
The Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced a request for public comments on a new information collection plan as per the Paperwork Reduction Act. This collection aims to allow non-registrants to access the CSA Database System to verify DEA registrant status, essential for commerce activities involving controlled substances. The plan targets businesses, not-for-profit institutions, and government entities, with an estimated annual public burden of 250 hours. Public feedback is sought to ensure the necessity, accuracy, clarity, and reduced burden of the information gathering process.
Abstract
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is inviting public input regarding a novel information collection initiative. This action is part of the regulatory requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, aimed at facilitating non-registrant access to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Database System. The new system intends to help verify the registration status of DEA registrants, which is a critical function for those engaging in commerce involving controlled substances.
General Summary
The document outlines a 30-day period during which public comments are solicited on the DEA's proposed information collection plan. This plan is primarily targeted at businesses, not-for-profit institutions, and various levels of government, who may need to verify DEA registration statuses for activities such as hiring practitioners or processing controlled substance prescriptions. According to the notice, the DEA anticipates this new collection will demand about 250 hours of public burden annually.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues emerge upon close examination of the notice. Firstly, the document lacks specifics on any potential costs linked with participating in the collection activity, which may be of concern to interested stakeholders contemplating registration. Additionally, the language in the document appears somewhat dense and may benefit from simplification to improve understanding among the general public.
Furthermore, there is ambiguity regarding the use of technology to minimize the burden on the respondents, as mentioned in the document. Also, whether there are fees associated with accessing the CSA Database System is not clarified, which could significantly affect the willingness of potential registrants. Finally, details on the re-application process and criteria for denied access are absent, which might affect transparency and stakeholder trust.
Impact on the Public
This proposal could impact the public broadly by streamlining the process for verifying DEA registration statuses, thereby potentially reducing errors in commerce related to controlled substances. By simplifying access to this information, the DEA aims to support businesses and institutions in their due diligence, ultimately enhancing compliance with federal regulations. However, without clear details on the financial and procedural aspects, some stakeholders may face uncertainty or additional barriers.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For businesses and other entities that frequently interact with controlled substances, this initiative could offer significant benefits. It presents an opportunity to ensure a higher level of accuracy in transactions and employment practices involving DEA registrants. Not-for-profit institutions and government bodies might find the streamlined access particularly advantageous for compliance purposes.
Conversely, if costs or complex procedures are associated, the proposed system could impose additional burdens, particularly on smaller entities with limited resources. Ensuring that these potential challenges are adequately addressed will be key to maximizing the benefit of this information collection initiative.
With careful consideration of public feedback and a commitment to addressing these concerns, the DEA can refine this proposal to better meet the needs of all stakeholders involved.
Issues
• The document does not detail the estimated cost associated with the collection activities, which could be relevant for assessing potential wasteful spending.
• The language related to who must register and verify DEA registration statuses is somewhat convoluted and might be simplified for clarity.
• It is not entirely clear how the proposed collection minimizes the burden on respondents through the use of technology as claimed; more specifics could be provided.
• The document does not specify whether there are any fees associated with registering for access to the CSA Database System, which could be pertinent information for potential registrants.
• There is no discussion on the process for annual re-application and potential reasons for denied access, which could be valuable for transparency.