West Virginia Attorney General Demands Answers on DEA Decision to Limit Public Access to Opioid Provider Database

West Virginia Attorney General Demands Answers from DEA and Commerce Department Over Restricted Access to Opioid Provider Database

In a groundbreaking move, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Commerce to explain their decision to limit public access to a crucial database on opioid provider registrations. The Controlled Substances Act Registration Information Database, previously available to the public, has been restricted since January 2021 to a case-by-case, agency-approved basis only.

Morrisey, who has been at the forefront of the fight against the opioid crisis, expressed deep concern over the decision, stating that the database was an essential tool for pharmacies to check a provider’s registration status before dispensing opioids. He emphasized the importance of public accountability in knowing who the DEA grants or refuses registration to, especially in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic.

The Attorney General highlighted the alarming rise in opioid-related overdose deaths, with West Virginia experiencing the highest drug overdose mortality rate in the country. He pointed out that opioid deaths increased by 38% from January 2020 to January 2021, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and oversight in DEA registration decisions.

Morrisey demanded answers from the DEA and Commerce Department regarding the rationale behind limiting access to the database, the number of applications denied, and the criteria used for granting access. He urged immediate action to address these concerns and make the information freely available to the public.

The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office has been actively investigating the role of federal regulators in the overproduction of prescription opioids, a key factor in fueling the opioid epidemic. Morrisey’s office has been advocating for increased transparency and accountability in combating the crisis.

As the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across the country, Morrisey emphasized the importance of public accountability in ensuring that the DEA fulfills its duty to deny or suspend registrations for providers contributing to the epidemic’s death toll. He called on the agencies to embrace public scrutiny and do the right thing in addressing the concerns raised.

The DEA and Commerce Department have yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. Brianna Herlihy, a politics writer for Fox News Digital, reported on this developing story.