CSOS

The Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) is a method of ordering pharmaceuticals regulated by the Office of Diversion Control of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances is regulated to prevent the substances from entering into illegal channels and ensure there is sufficient supply for legitimate medical uses.

At the core of the process is the DEA 222 paper form. The manual, paper-based process is inefficient taking an average of 1 to 3 days for an order to reach the supplier.

The DEA is establishing an electronic ordering system where Schedule II substance orders will be digitally signed using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology. The new process, termed by some as "e222" is expected to provide the following benefits:

• Reduce the amount of paper in the process
• Speed transaction times
• Lower costs per transaction
• Improve security

For more information visit the Diversion Control website at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ecomm/csos/index.html