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Controlled Substances in Research

A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by federal and state government. Controlled substances may be used for scientific research purposes, to the extent permitted by a registrant's license and registration, and in conformity with local, state, and federal statutes and regulations. Contact Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) if you have questions about the use of controlled substances or to begin the application process at askEHS@cornell.edu.

Research use of controlled substances

The use of controlled substances in research at Cornell University requires complying with state and federal regulations including New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) licensing and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registration. Environment, Health and Safety is prepared to assist researchers in meeting the requirements for obtaining, using, storing, securing and disposing of controlled substances.

Contact Environment, Health and Safety for any work involving controlled substances prior to applying for NYSDOH license and DEA registration. 

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Inventory Records: Usage and Examples
Usage ExplanationForm / Example

Required: Record controlled substances at a new storage location (including changes of address) immediately upon receipt of a DEA registration number.

  • Done prior to purchasing controlled substances
  • Indicate "zero inventory" for your initial log

Inventory Records:

Initial Inventory

Required: Receipt records for purchases of Controlled Substances from DEA Registered distributors

​Inventory Records:

Receipt Record Log

Required: List of all controlled substances currently stored at the DEA registered location

  • Perform every two years after initial inventory
  • Store with inventory records

Inventory Records:

DEA Biennial Inventory

N/A

Required: Summarize the usage of a controlled substance from the time of acquisition to the end of use

  • Includes disposal, expired, loss or damaged substances
  • Used in conjunction with Disposal Log
  • Used in conjunction with Dilution Log records

​Inventory Records:

Usage Log

Required: Documents the usage details for a controlled substance that has been withdrawn from original container and mixed with a solution to dilute the concentration

Inventory Records:

Dilution Log

Required: Used when a controlled substance has expired, is no longer usable or no longer needed

​Inventory Records:

Disposal Log

Optional: Lists the controlled substances stored at a registered location upon the closing of the DEA registration

​Inventory Records:

Closing Inventory

Security Records: Usage and Examples
Usage ExplanationForm / Example
Required: List of each person allowed to handle controlled substances for research use as a Senior Authorized User or Authorized User

Security Records:

Authorized Personnel Log

N/A

Optional: Used when transporting controlled substances outside of the registration address for same day travel.

  • Acts as chain of custody

Security Records:

Transportation Log

Transportation Log Examples:

Substance spent at location

Substance returned to original location

Inspection Records: Usage and Examples
Usage ExplanationForm / Example
Required: Forms given by NYSDOH or DEA following formal site inspection / audit

Inspection Records:

DOH/DEA Inspection Records

N/A

Forms

Usage Log Protected Document