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 Opioid Excise Tax
Important Update: The due date for the Department of Health’s first Opioid Annual Report has been extended.
The DOH Opioid Annual Report that was originally due on July 20, 2020, is now due on August 20, 2020.
- Opioid Excise Tax - Updated July 2020
New York State Drug Take Back Act
- Drug Take Back - Updated November 2019
Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)
- PMP Instructional Webinar NEW November 2019.
A new on-line instructional webinar is available which covers a variety of topics associated with the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program Registry (PMP) including the use of the PMP registry search and use of the PMP Data Collection Tool.
Prescribers and pharmacists can earn 1.0 hour of free ACCME or ACPE continuing education for completing this program. The webinar, done in collaboration with the University at Buffalo, can be accessed at PMP Instructional Webinar
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 Treatment Plan Notification Letter, February 2019 (PDF)
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.
- Resource Letter (PDF)
- Letter from the Commissioners (PDF)
- Flash Drive Order Form (PDF)
- Governor Cuomo Announces New Initiatives to Combat Substance Abuse Among School-Aged Children and Student Athletes (PDF)
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. The course work or training must be completed once every three years, and an attestation confirming completion made to the Department. Click on the following link for more information and guidance.
- Mandatory Prescriber Education Guidance (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions - Updated March 2020 (PDF)
- Attestation Process
- Additional information regarding Mandatory Prescriber Education
Guideline for 'Waste' Disposal System Use
Important Facts About Controlled Substance Prescription Medications
Mandatory Electronic Prescribing Effective March 27, 2016
- Letter from the NYS Commissioner of Health to practitioners and pharmacists regarding a blanket waiver of the electronic prescribing requirements for nursing homes and residential health care facilities – November 1, 2020
- Letter from the NYS Commissioner of Health to practitioners and pharmacists regarding a blanket waiver for additional exceptional circumstances related to electronic prescribing – August 25, 2020.
- Letter from the NYS Commissioner of Health to practitioners and pharmacists regarding a blanket waiver of the electronic prescribing requirements for nursing homes and residential health care facilities – October 29, 2019
- Letter from the NYS Commissioner of Health to practitioners and pharmacists regarding a blanket waiver of the electronic prescribing requirements for nursing homes and residential health care facilities – November 1, 2018
- Letter from the NYS Commissioner of Health to practitioners and pharmacists regarding a blanket waiver for additional exceptional circumstances related to electronic prescribing – June 6, 2018
- Practitioner Notification Process – Use of an Electronic Prescribing Exception (Revised September 30, 2016)
- Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances - NYSDOH
- Electronic Transmittal of Prescriptions in New York State Frequently Asked Questions - NYSED
- FAQs (PDF) - Updated November 2016 - Update to Practitioner Reporting Requirements 136-145
Opioid Treatment Guidelines and Other Information for Healthcare Professionals and Patients Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Learn more about the guidelines