FR 2025-04746

General Summary

The document is a legal notice from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), detailing the decision to revoke the DEA registration of Linwood A. Starks, a veterinarian from Texas. His Certificate of Registration is being revoked because he is no longer authorized to handle controlled substances in Texas following the suspension of his veterinary license. Despite being notified about a hearing regarding this matter, Starks failed to respond adequately, which led to a termination of the proceedings and a default judgment against him. Consequently, the DEA Administrator has decided to revoke his registration and deny any future related applications. This decision will officially take effect on April 21, 2025.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document contains complex legal language and references various statutes and regulations, such as the Controlled Substances Act and multiple sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This might make the document difficult for laypersons to fully understand. Terms like "default final order" and "DEA registration" require specific legal understanding, and the document presumes the reader has knowledge of legal proceedings under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Another notable issue is the mention of "official notice taking" by the agency, which may not be clear to all readers. While the documentation does offer the Registrant a chance to dispute findings, the process and implications of this opportunity could benefit from clarification.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the document reinforces the importance of compliance with state laws, especially concerning the handling of controlled substances. It also highlights the DEA's stringent enforcement policies, which require practitioners to maintain their state licenses to retain federal permissions, like a DEA registration. This can serve as a reminder about the roles of federal and state oversight in professional practice.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For veterinary professionals and other practitioners who manage controlled substances, this document underscores the critical nature of keeping state licensure current. Failure to do so can lead to the loss of the ability to legally dispense controlled substances, which can severely impact one's professional practice and business operations. The federal action, driven by the state-level suspension of a license, illustrates the interconnected nature of regulatory obligations on multiple government levels.

Additionally, for those interested in public safety and regulation, the DEA's decision showcases a mechanism designed to protect the community from unauthorized handling of controlled substances. It may positively impact public confidence in how controlled substances are regulated and enforced.

For the individual involved, Linwood A. Starks, this decision has significant negative implications, affecting his ability to practice legally with controlled substances. This decision serves as a cautionary tale for others in similar fields, highlighting the consequences of not maintaining professional and legal standards.