Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement

The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) is responsible for protecting the public health by combating the illegal use and trafficking of prescription controlled substances. The Bureau provides millions of secure Official New York State Prescriptions annually to over 95,000 prescribing practitioners across the State. BNE monitors and regulates controlled substances through its issuance of licenses to manufacturers, distributors, hospitals, nursing homes, and researchers. BNE Narcotic Investigators investigate suspected drug diversion or illegal sales involving theft, forgery, and fraudulent visits to practitioners' offices, and work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement. The Bureau also prevents prescription drug abuse through educational materials and presentations for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.

New York State Drug Take Back Act

Written Treatment Plan for Opioid Prescribing

Effective April 1, 2018, a written treatment plan in the patient’s medical record is required if a practitioner prescribes opioids for pain that has lasted for more than three months or past the time of normal tissue healing.

Opioid Stewardship Act

Effective July 1, 2018, all manufacturers, distributors, and importers licensed in New York State (NYS) as of January 1, 2017, must report transaction information for all opioids sold or distributed to or within NYS to the NYS Department of Health's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement as mandated under the Opioid Stewardship Act (OSA). The Department will calculate ratable shares of an assessment based on the reported data, and will issue invoices for the ratable shares of the assessment to each licensee by October 15, 2018. Payments of the invoices are due on January 1, 2019. The Department will provide guidance on when subsequent reports and payments are due for future years.

Click on the following links for more information and guidance.

Addiction and Substance Use Disorder Educational Resource

To address the increase in substance use disorders, the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and the Education Department have created the New York State Addiction and Substance Use Disorder Educational Resource flash drive. The flash drive will be offered at no charge to New York State schools as a guide for personal conversations and community forums to help prevent and address substance use among young people. A list of resources with online links can be found in the Resource letter below.

Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)

Mandatory Prescriber Education

Prescribers licensed in New York to treat humans and who have a DEA registration number to prescribe controlled substances, as well as medical residents who prescribe controlled substances under a facility DEA registration number, must complete at least three (3) hours of course work or training in pain management, palliative care, and addiction by July 1, 2017. Click on the following link for more information and guidance.

Guideline for 'Waste' Disposal System Use

Important Facts About Controlled Substance Prescription Medications

Mandatory Electronic Prescribing Effective March 27, 2016

Opioid Treatment Guidelines and Other Information for Healthcare Professionals and Patients Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)