Registrant Email Collection
The Bureau of Drug Control will implement a new online renewal process in mid-year 2024. To keep our registrants updated on the new renewal process, we need all registrants to provide the email address that is associated with their registration account. Provide that email address by clicking the button below.
SC Controlled Substances Registration Renewals
Providers and Facilities that missed their, renewal deadline will not be able to renew by submitting their payment through the online payment portal on this website. Payments submitted via the online payment portal, will be credited back to the credit card account. Checks and/or money orders, will be returned.
In order to reinstate an expired registration, a new application must be submitted with a payment of the registration fee plus a $100 penalty fee. Visit DHEC's New Registrations page. All applications must be submitted via regular US Postal mail to the Bureau of Financial Management. Processing time is approximately 12-15 business days.
Providers are not authorized to prescribe, administer, possess or dispense controlled substances until their SC Controlled Substances Registration is reinstated.
Drug Control Laws Effective as of January 1, 2021
Site Inspections
We typically conduct 1200 to 1500 annual site inspections of pharmacies, hospitals, and practitioners. Our inspectors:
- Make sure that registrants are properly maintaining records and accountability and storing controlled substances securely
- Make recommendations and offer assistance to help registrants follow proper procedures in the handling of controlled substances
- Conduct 75‑100 in‑depth, onsite accountability audits of controlled substances stocked by pharmacies, hospitals, and practitioners. Some audits are performed randomly and routinely even though no problems are suspected or anticipated. Other audits are performed where routine inspections have revealed unacceptable record keeping or potential diversion, or where complaints have been received about possible diversion activity.
Violations
Violations and discrepancies discovered during investigations, inspections or audits may lead the BDC to take administrative action against a facility or practitioner.
In most cases, the BDC and the DHEC legal office issue a Notice of Administrative Conference. The order requires that a facility's designated representative or an individual practitioner appear at an informal pre‑hearing conference.
Most matters are resolved at these pre‑hearing conferences, usually through the issuance of an Administrative Consent Order. An Administrative Consent Order imposes sanctions and, in some cases, monetary fines. The fines are forwarded to the S.C. Department of Mental Health for use in state alcohol and drug treatment centers.
Complaints
We receive 750 to 1,000 complaints each year involving diversion of controlled substances from legal outlets. About 450-500 of the complaints typically result in the arrest and prosecution of individuals in state or federal court. Approximately 25 percent of those prosecuted are healthcare professionals.