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What is a Controlled Substance Use Authorization?

A Controlled Substance Use Authorization (CSUA) is the authorization granted by the Controlled Substance Program (CSP) to researchers to work with controlled substances under a department DEA registration.

The CSUA is only granted for bona fide needs to handle, use, or access controlled substances and for research purposes. 

The Controlled Substances Program Officer has this authority over CSUA to help assure maintenance of the institutional research registrations for UCLA.

Due to changes administered by the DEA in 2025, the CSP is currently unable to add new researchers to campus registrations. 
For next steps visit How to Apply for a DEA Individual Researcher Registration

The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for ensuring that all staff and students using controlled substances in conjunction with their research are listed in the PI’s CSUA and will comply with associated federal regulations, university polices, and training.

Researchers must obtain a CSUA prior to the use, purchase or transport of controlled substances at UCLA campus. PIs are responsible for informing the Controlled Substance Program (CSP) of any updates their CSUA.

All items below are part of the DEA Department's Registration CSUAs managed by our team:

  1. Principal Investigator's CV or Bio Sketch
  2. Personnel Screening Data Sheets for each authorized user that has access to the storage location. If you will be using DLAM services to administer material, they are an authorized personnel under your use authorization (CSUA). Please inform us so we can provide PSDS for you to sign.
  3. Storage Location - varies depending on schedule, volume stored and other security provisions
  4. Training in WORKSAFE- "Controlled Substances Training" and "Maintaining Your Controlled Substances Inventory"
  5. Protocols- you will need a protocol that identifies the use of controlled substances in you research. For In-vitro work completed an Authorization for In-Vitro Protocol  
  6. Departmental Authorization- we will request this document for you. 

The CSP will assign a CSUA ID number. The CSUA ID number is the unique identifier that is used on all documents and communications.

It is critical that CSUA are up to date, this can affect your ability to acquire the material you need for your research. All CSUA updates and modifications are submitted to the DEA for approval.

For more information and how to submit an update visit our information page: 

Biennial Inventory and Annual Renewal

The Controlled Substance Program (CSP) does not manage Individual Registrations, however, provides guidance and support through this process. 

For more information visit our information page:

 Individual DEA Registrations

 

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