When the DEA takes action to suspend or revoke a DEA registration, it must first serve an order to show cause on the registrant. In certain “emergency” situations, if the DEA finds there is an “imminent danger to the public health or safety,” the DEA may suspend any DEA registration simultaneously with the issuance of an immediate suspension order and order to show cause.
The show cause order requires you to show why your DEA registration should not be revoked, suspended or denied. The order will contain a statement of the legal basis and reason(s) for issuing the order along with a summary of the facts and law asserted. Much like action taken by state medical boards, the registrant has the right to request a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ) to challenge the facts alleged in the DEA’s order to show cause.
The registrant has 30 days from the date the order is served to file a request for a hearing. Failure to file the request within 30 days will be deemed a waiver of your right to a hearing, and the DEA may request that final action be taken.
Therefore, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately upon receiving an immediate suspension order or show cause order, so that we may preserve your rights and prepare your defense to protect your DEA registration.