Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch

The Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch (DEPPB) staff administers and enforces the Kentucky Controlled Substances Act (KRS 218A), the Kentucky Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (KRS 217) and the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) program.

Programs and Services

Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting

DEPPB staff currently includes investigators who are registered pharmacists and sworn law enforcement officers who work closely with the Kentucky State Police, Office of Attorney General, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement agencies and Kentucky's professional licensure boards to enforce the provisions of KRS 218A and KRS 217.

EPCS Mandate

KRS 218A.182 took effect Jan. 1, 2021 and mandates electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) in Kentucky. A practitioner who is unable to comply with the EPCS mandate may request a waiver by submitting an EPCS Temporary Exemption Request Form. Although initial waivers were due by Nov. 1, 2020, the Cabinet still is accepting Temporary Exemption Forms. Send by mail to Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch at the address shown on the form or by email to KASPER.