Final answer:
Physicians are required to maintain registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and potentially their state's Board of Medicine in order to prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances, physicians in the United States are required to maintain registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA is responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act, which regulates the manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances. By registering with the DEA, physicians are granted the authority to handle and prescribe controlled substances.
In addition to the DEA, physicians may also need to maintain registration with their state's Board of Medicine or Medical Board, as individual states may have additional requirements for prescribing controlled substances. State medical boards are responsible for regulating the practice of medicine within their respective states and may require physicians to meet certain criteria, such as completing continuing education on prescribing practices or maintaining a certain level of knowledge on controlled substances.
In summary, physicians are required to maintain registration with the DEA and potentially their state's Board of Medicine in order to prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances.