What is required for healthcare providers to possess controlled substances in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, healthcare providers are required to have a valid DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) number to legally possess controlled substances. The DEA number is necessary for practitioners to prescribe, administer, and dispense controlled substances within the state and across the United States. This registration is part of federal law, ensuring that only authorized individuals can handle these potent medications.

While having a state license may also be necessary for healthcare providers to practice in Minnesota, the specific requirement for possessing controlled substances is the valid DEA number, as it pertains directly to the handling of these regulated drugs. Thus, for the purpose of this question, the provision of a valid DEA number is crucial, making it the correct answer regarding what is required for healthcare providers to possess controlled substances in the state.

In this context, although both a state license and a DEA number are generally necessary for full compliance with both state and federal regulations, the question specifically asked for the requirement concerning the possession of controlled substances alone, which is primarily governed by the DEA registration.