The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Controlled Substances Ordering System (CSOS) allows for secure electronic ordering of controlled substances. Electronic orders are placed through MEDISCA’s website using software approved for CSOS, replacing the traditional paper 222 forms.
Using PKI technology, the orders are processed in a secure environment and signed and validated using a digital certificate. Here’s how it works:
- Purchaser enrolls with the DEA and is issued a personal CSOS Certificate. The certificate is a digital identity that contains information identical to your current 222 paper form (Company Name, DEA Registration Number, Authorized Schedules, etc.).
- Using CSOS through MEDISCA’s website, the purchaser enters an electronic order. The digitally-signed order is then transmitted to MEDISCA.
- MEDISCA verifies the purchaser’s certificate and validates the order.
- MEDISCA completes the order and ships it to the purchaser.
- The CSOS software reports the order to the DEA within two business days.