Who can use a federal DEA number to monitor prescribers for drug enforcement purposes?

A federal DEA number is a unique identifier assigned to medical practitioners and organizations that handle controlled substances. It is essential for monitoring the prescribing and distributing of these medications to prevent misuse and abuse.

The correct response indicating that a state government agency and regulatory board can use a federal DEA number to monitor prescribers stems from their authority to regulate the practice of medicine and pharmacy. These agencies are responsible for ensuring compliance with laws pertaining to controlled substances, investigating suspicious activities, and maintaining public safety. They have access to necessary information, including DEA numbers, to track prescribing practices, conduct audits, and intervene when necessary to protect the health and welfare of the public.

In contrast, health plans and managed care organizations typically focus on overseeing the provision of care and managing costs, rather than enforcement of drug use laws. Individual patients do not have the authority to monitor prescribers or access DEA numbers for such purposes. Lastly, pharmaceutical representatives are primarily involved in marketing and promoting medications to healthcare providers and do not possess the regulatory authority required to monitor prescriber activities.