South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which federal agency oversees the Controlled Substances Act?

1. Bureau of Drug Control

2. Drug Enforcement Administration

3. Department of Justice

4. Federal Trade Commission

The correct answer is: Drug Enforcement Administration

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA regulates the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances in the United States. The DEA’s primary role is to enforce the legal standards established by this act, ensuring compliance among manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare providers. The DEA not only oversees the scheduling of drugs but also conducts investigations, executes search warrants, and works to prevent drug abuse and trafficking. It is vital in maintaining the balance between the availability of controlled substances for legitimate medical use and preventing their abuse. In addition to the role of the DEA, other agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) play a broader role in law enforcement but do not oversee the CSA specifically. The Bureau of Drug Control is not a recognized federal agency, and the Federal Trade Commission focuses primarily on consumer protection and antitrust laws, which are unrelated to drug control and regulation. Thus, the DEA’s unique mandate and authority make it the correct answer for overseeing the Controlled Substances Act.