County updates drug-box transition, most EMS agencies nearing DEA compliance ahead of April 15 deadline
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Summary
County staff reported progress toward DEA registration and controlled-substance readiness for the drug-box program, scheduled compliance deadline April 15; a virtual town hall March 27 was announced.
Pittsylvania County staff told the Fire and Rescue Commission on March 20 that most local EMS agencies are on track to meet the April 15 deadline to comply with the state’s drug-box program, but a few departments remain finalizing controlled-substance and DEA registrations.
Director Tyler Key and county staff outlined a multi-step process for agencies: obtain a controlled-substance (CS) registration, then apply for DEA registration, and finally complete the CSOS electronic ordering step. ‘‘Braswell has their DEA license… Bachelors Hall has their DEA license… Vail Herrmann is waiting on their DEA license. Catlin’s is waiting… Cool Branch is waiting on their controlled substance inspection,’’ Director Key said when listing agency statuses. The county said Western Virginia EMS Council will host a virtual town hall on Thursday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. for agency leaders and EMS physicians to explain the medication-kit exchange requirements and next steps.
Staff also warned of supply-chain issues: some replacement drugs are on back order and vendors will not release new kits until departments can replace every item required in the box. The commission was advised that one county agency had already transferred drugs supplied through hospitals into trucks; most others were preparing to do so when vendor orders arrived. The county also flagged an equipment fit issue: the ketamine vials provided are too large for the CompX vials ordered, so agencies must order larger vial inserts and modify foam inserts to make the kits fit.
No motion was required; the report was informational. The county asked that each agency send two representatives to the March 27 virtual town hall and continue coordination through the county’s email group.
Staff additionally mentioned operational reminders that affect compliance and readiness: the statewide burn ban runs through April and prohibits burning before 4 p.m., and the county’s BFIS insurance risk assessor will perform site visits March 25 at five stations.