Pedro E. Lopez, M.D.; Decision and Order, 46324-46326 [2015-19119]

Download as PDF 46324 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 149 / Tuesday, August 4, 2015 / Notices 80 FR 22557, Sigma Aldrich Research Biochemicals, Inc., 1–3 Strathmore Road, Natick, Massachusetts 01760– 2447 applied to be registered as a manufacturer of certain basic classes of controlled substances. No comments or objections were submitted for this notice. The DEA has considered the factors in 21 U.S.C. 823(a) and determined that the registration of Sigma Aldrich Research Biochemicals, Inc. to manufacture the basic classes of controlled substances is consistent with the public interest and with United States obligations under international treaties, conventions, or protocols in effect on May 1, 1971. The DEA investigated the company’s maintenance of effective controls against diversion by inspecting and testing the company’s physical security systems, verifying the company’s compliance with state and local laws, and reviewing the company’s background and history. Therefore, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 823(a), and in accordance with 21 CFR 1301.33, the above-named company is granted registration as a bulk manufacturer of the basic classes of controlled substances listed: Controlled substance Schedule Cathinone (1235) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... Methcathinone (1237) .................................................................................................................................................................................. Mephedrone (4-Methyl-N-methylcathinone) (1248) .................................................................................................................................... Aminorex (1585) .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Alpha-ethyltryptamine (7249) ...................................................................................................................................................................... Lysergic acid diethylamide (7315) ............................................................................................................................................................... Tetrahydrocannabinols (7370) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (7391) .............................................................................................................................................. 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (7392) .......................................................................................................................................... 4-Methyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (7395) .............................................................................................................................................. 2,5-Dimethoxyamphetamine (7396) ............................................................................................................................................................ 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (7400) .................................................................................................................................................... N-Hydroxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (7402) .................................................................................................................................. 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (7404) ........................................................................................................................................ 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (7405) ............................................................................................................................................ Dimethyltryptamine (7435) .......................................................................................................................................................................... Psilocybin (7437) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-Methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (7439) .............................................................................................................................................. 1-[1-(2-Thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (7470) ............................................................................................................................................... N-Benzylpiperazine (7493) .......................................................................................................................................................................... MDPV (3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone) (7535) ....................................................................................................................................... Methylone (3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone) (7540) ....................................................................................................................... Heroin (9200) ............................................................................................................................................................................................... Normorphine (9313) .................................................................................................................................................................................... Amphetamine (1100) ................................................................................................................................................................................... Methamphetamine (1105) ........................................................................................................................................................................... Nabilone (7379) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 1-Phenylcyclohexylamine (7460) ................................................................................................................................................................. Phencyclidine (7471) ................................................................................................................................................................................... Cocaine (9041) ............................................................................................................................................................................................ Codeine (9050) ............................................................................................................................................................................................ Ecgonine (9180) .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Levomethorphan (9210) .............................................................................................................................................................................. Levorphanol (9220) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... Meperidine (9230) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Metazocine (9240) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Methadone (9250) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Morphine (9300) .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Thebaine (9333) .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Levo-alphacetylmethadol (9648) ................................................................................................................................................................. Remifentanil (9739) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... Sufentanil (9740) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... Carfentanil (9743) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ Fentanyl (9801) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES The company plans to manufacture reference standards. Dated: July 29, 2015. Joseph T. Rannazzisi, Deputy Assistant Administrator. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration [Docket No. 15–16] [FR Doc. 2015–19166 Filed 8–3–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P Pedro E. Lopez, M.D.; Decision and Order On March 20, 2015, Chief Administrative Law Judge (CALJ) John J. Mulrooney, II, issued the attached Recommended Decision. Neither party VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:45 Aug 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II filed exceptions to the Recommended Decision. Having reviewed the record in its entirety, I adopt the CALJ’s findings of fact,1 conclusions of law, and 1 I take official notice of the fact that, according to the registration records of the Agency, Respondent retains an active registration as of this date. Pursuant to 21 CFR 1316.59(e), Respondent may controvert this finding by filing a properly supported motion, no later than 10 days from the date of this Order. E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 149 / Tuesday, August 4, 2015 / Notices recommended order. Accordingly, I will order that Respondent’s DEA Certificate of Registration be revoked and that any pending applications to renew or modify his registration be denied. Order Pursuant to the authority vested in me by 21 U.S.C. 823(f) and 824(a)(3), as well as 28 CFR 0.100(b), I order that DEA Certificate of Registration BL2132049, issued to Pedro E. Lopez, M.D., be, and it hereby is, revoked. I further order that any pending application of Pedro E. Lopez, M.D., to renew or modify his registration, be, and it hereby is, denied. This Order is effective September 3, 2015. Dated: July 27, 2015. Chuck Rosenberg, Acting Administrator. Brian Bayly, Esq., for the Government. Alan Rhine, Esq., for the Respondent. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ORDER GRANTING THE GOVERNMENT’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION AND RECOMMENDED RULINGS, FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND DECISION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE Chief Administrative Law Judge John J. Mulrooney, II. The Deputy Assistant Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA or Government), issued an Order to Show Cause (OSC), dated February 6, 2015, proposing to revoke the DEA Certificate of Registration (COR), Number BL2132049, of Pedro E. Lopez, M.D. (Respondent), pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(3) and 21 U.S.C. 823(f), and deny any pending applications for renewal or modification of the COR, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 823(f). In the OSC, the Government alleges that the Respondent is, inter alia, without ‘‘authority to handle controlled substances in the State of Illinois’’ as grounds for revocation of the Respondent’s DEA registration. On March 6, 2015, the Respondent, by counsel, filed a Request for Hearing in the above-captioned matter. The Request for Hearing stated that a hearing Notwithstanding that the language of section 824(a) authorizes either the suspension or revocation of a registration upon the making of one of the five findings enumerated therein, the Agency has consistently interpreted the CSA as mandating revocation where a practitioner’s state authority has been suspended or revoked. As the Fourth Circuit has held, ‘‘[b]ecause § 823(f) and § 802(21) make clear that a practitioner’s registration is dependent upon the practitioner having state authority to dispense controlled substances, the [Administrator’s] decision to construe § 824(a)(3) as mandating revocation upon suspension of a state license is not an unreasonable interpretation of the CSA.’’ Hooper v. Holder, 2012 WL 2020079, *2 (4th Cir. 2012) (unpublished). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:45 Aug 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 is appropriate because ‘‘the Respondent has instituted proceedings to restore his authority to handle controlled substances in Illinois.’’ Req. for Hrg. at 1. Consistent with my direction, the parties have briefed the issues. On March 11, 2015, the Government filed a Motion for Summary Disposition and Evidence in Support of its Motion for Summary Disposition (Motion for Summary Disposition), seeking that this tribunal issue a Recommended Decision granting the Government’s Motion on the ground that the Respondent is currently without state authority to handle controlled substances. Mot. for Summary Disp. at 1. According to the Government’s Motion, the State of Illinois, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) suspended the Respondent’s license to practice medicine, effective March 12, 2014, and that suspension order remains in effect. Id. Attached to the Government’s Motion is the IDFPR Order dated March 12, 2014 suspending the Respondent’s state Physician and Surgeon License No. 036.074815 on the grounds that the Respondent failed to comply with the provisions an Agreement of Care, Counseling and Treatment that he had entered into with IDFPR.2 Id., Attachment 1 at 1–2. Under the IDPFR Order, the Respondent’s state license was indefinitely suspended for a minimum period of six months. Id., Attachment 1 at 2. On March 20, 2015, the Respondent, through counsel, filed a reply styled ‘‘Response to the Government’s Motion for Summary Disposition and Evidence in Support of its Motion for Summary Disposition’’ (Respondent’s Reply). In his Reply, the Respondent alleges that he is in the process of seeking reinstatement of his medical license from the state of Illinois. Resp’t Reply at 2. In opposing the Government’s requested relief, the Respondent avers that inasmuch as he is currently not prescribing controlled substances, granting a hearing, or at least deferring adjudication until his state privileges are restored presents no cognizable danger to the public. Id. at 2–3. In order to revoke a registrant’s DEA registration, the DEA has the burden of proving that the requirements for revocation are satisfied. 21 CFR 1301.44(e) (2015). Once DEA has made its prima facie case for revocation of the registrant’s DEA COR, the burden of 2 No objection to consideration of the Government’s exhibit, or factual challenge to the matters asserted therein was asserted by the Respondent. PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46325 production then shifts to the Respondent to show that, given the totality of the facts and circumstances in the record, revoking the registrant’s registration would not be appropriate. Morall v. DEA, 412 F.3d 165, 174 (D.C. Cir. 2005); Humphreys v. DEA, 96 F.3d 658, 661 (3d Cir. 1996); Shatz v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 873 F.2d 1089, 1091 (8th Cir. 1989); Thomas E. Johnston, 45 FR 72311 (1980). The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) requires that, in order to maintain a DEA registration, a practitioner must be authorized to handle controlled substances in ‘‘the jurisdiction in which he practices.’’ See 21 U.S.C. 802(21) (2012) (‘‘[t]he term ‘practitioner’ means a physician . . . licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted, by . . . the jurisdiction in which he practices . . . to distribute, dispense, [or] administer . . . a controlled substance in the course of professional practice’’); see also 21 U.S.C. 823(f) (2012) (‘‘The Attorney General shall register practitioners . . . if the applicant is authorized to dispense . . . controlled substances under the laws of the State in which he practices.’’). DEA has long held that possession of authority under state law to dispense controlled substances is an essential condition for obtaining and maintaining a DEA ´ registration. Serenity Cafe, 77 FR 35027, 35028 (2012); David W. Wang, 72 FR 54297, 54298 (2007); Sheran Arden Yeates, 71 FR 39130, 39131 (2006); Dominick A. Ricci, M.D., 58 FR 51104 (1993); Bobby Watts, M.D., 53 FR 11919 (1988). Because ‘‘possessing authority under state law to handle controlled substances is an essential condition for holding a DEA registration,’’ this Agency has consistently held that ‘‘the CSA requires the revocation of a registration issued to a practitioner who lacks [such authority].’’ Roy Chi Lung, 74 FR 20346, 20347 (2009); see also Scott Sandarg, D.M.D., 74 FR 17528, 174529 (2009); John B. Freitas, D.O., 74 FR 17524, 17525 (2009); Roger A. Rodriguez, M.D., 70 FR 33206, 33207 (2005); Stephen J. Graham, M.D., 69 FR 11661 (2004); Abraham A. Chaplan, M.D., 57 FR 55280 (1992); see also Harrell E. Robinson, 74 FR 61370, 61375 (2009).3 ‘‘[R]evocation is warranted even where a practitioner’s state authority has been summarily suspended and the State has yet to provide the practitioner 3 But see 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(3) (2012) (‘‘A registration pursuant to section 823 of this title to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance may be suspended or revoked by the Attorney General upon a finding that the registrant . . . has had his State license or registration suspended, revoked, or denied by competent State authority . . . .’’) (emphasis added). E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1 46326 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 149 / Tuesday, August 4, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES with a hearing to challenge the State’s action at which he may ultimately prevail.’’ Kamal Tiwari, M.D., 76 FR 71604, 71606, (2011); see also Bourne Pharmacy, Inc., 72 FR 18273, 18274 (2007); Anne Lazar Thorn, 62 FR 12847 (1997). Additionally, Agency precedent has established that the existence of other proceedings in which the Respondent is involved is not a basis upon which to justify a stay of DEA administrative enforcement proceedings. Grider Drug #1 & Grider Drug #2, 77 FR 44069, 44104 n.97 (2012). Congress does not intend for administrative agencies to perform meaningless tasks. See Philip E. Kirk, M.D., 48 FR 32887 (1983), aff’d sub nom. Kirk v. Mullen, 749 F.2d 297 (6th Cir. 1984); see also Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Auth. v. EPA, 35 F.3d 600, 605 (1st Cir. 1994); NLRB v. Int’l Assoc. of Bridge, Structural & Ornamental Ironworkers, AFL–CIO, 549 F.2d 634 (9th Cir. 1977); United States v. Consol. Mines & Smelting Co., 455 F.2d 432, 453 (9th Cir. 1971). Thus, it is well-settled that, where no genuine question of fact is involved, or when the material facts are agreed upon, a plenary, adversarial administrative proceeding is not required. See Jesus R. Juarez, M.D., 62 FR 14945 (1997); Dominick A. Ricci, M.D., 58 FR 51104 (1993). Here, the supplied IDFPR Order establishes, and the Respondent does not contest, that the Respondent is currently without authorization to handle controlled substances in Illinois, the jurisdiction where the Respondent holds the DEA COR that is the subject of this litigation. Summary disposition of an administrative case is warranted where, as here, ‘‘there is no factual dispute of substance.’’ See Veg-Mix, Inc., 832 F.2d 601, 607 (D.C. Cir. 1987) (‘‘an agency may ordinarily dispense with a hearing when no genuine dispute exists’’).4 At this juncture, no genuine dispute exists over the fact that the Respondent lacks state authority to handle controlled substances in the state of Illinois. Because the Respondent lacks such state authority, both the plain language of applicable federal statutory provisions and Agency interpretive precedent dictate that the Respondent is not entitled to maintain his DEA 4 Even assuming, arguendo, the possibility that the Respondent’s state controlled substances privileges could be reinstated, summary disposition would still be warranted because ‘‘revocation is also appropriate when a state license has been suspended, but with the possibility of future reinstatement,’’ Rodriguez, 70 FR at 33207 (citations omitted), and even where there is a judicial challenge to the state medical board action actively VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:45 Aug 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 registration. Simply put, there is no contested factual matter adducible at a hearing that would provide DEA with the authority to allow the Respondent to continue to hold his COR. Accordingly, I hereby GRANT the Government’s Motion for Summary Disposition; and further DENY the Respondent’s Request for Stay; and further RECOMMEND that the Respondent’s DEA registration be REVOKED forthwith and any pending applications for renewal be DENIED. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration [Docket No. DEA–392] Manufacturer of Controlled Substances Registration: National Center for Natural Products Research (NIDA MPROJECT), Inc. ACTION: Notice of registration. BILLING CODE 4410–09–P National Center for Natural Products Research (NIDA MPROJECT), Inc. applied to be registered as a manufacturer of certain basic classes of controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) grants National Center for Natural Products Research (NIDA MPROJECT), Inc. registration as a manufacturer of those controlled substances. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: By notice dated April 14, 2015, and published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2015, 80 FR 22559, National Center for Natural Products Research (NIDA MPROJECT), Inc., University of Mississippi, 135 Coy Waller Complex, University, Mississippi 38677–1848 applied to be registered as a manufacturer of certain basic classes of controlled substances. No comments or objections were submitted for this notice. The DEA has considered the factors in 21 U.S.C. 823(a) and determined that the registration of National Center for Natural Products Research (NIDA MPROJECT), Inc. to manufacture the basic classes of controlled substances is consistent with the public interest and with United States obligations under international treaties, conventions, or protocols in effect on May 1, 1971. The DEA investigated the company’s maintenance of effective controls against diversion by inspecting and testing the company’s physical security systems, verifying the company’s compliance with state and local laws, and reviewing the company’s background and history. Therefore, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 823(a), and in accordance with 21 CFR 1301.33, the above-named company is granted registration as a bulk manufacturer of the basic classes of controlled substances: pending in the state courts. Michael G. Dolin, M.D., 65 FR 5661, 5662 (2000). 1 After both the Administrator’s Order and the Government’s Response were returned to the Agency as undelivered following efforts to serve both of Respondent’s counsels, the Government determined through the New York State Unified Court System’s database that each attorney had a different address than that listed in the record. Notice of Recent Order and Government’s Response II, at 1–2. The Government represents that on June 30, 2015, it served both the Administrator’s Order and its Response on each of Respondent’s attorneys by mailing them to the addresses of Respondent’s attorneys as listed in the New York Unified Court System’s database. Id. at 2. Dated: March 20, 2015. JOHN J. MULROONEY, II, Chief Administrative Law Judge. [FR Doc. 2015–19119 Filed 8–3–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–09–P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration [Docket No. 12–49] AIM Pharmacy & Surgical S. Corp. Order On May 8, 2015, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, noting that the expiration date of Respondent’s registration was June 30, 2014, ordered the parties to address whether the case is now moot. The Administrator’s Order was served on Respondent’s counsel at his address of record. The Government filed a timely response and served a copy of its response on Respondent’s counsel at his address of record. Govt. Response to Administrator’s May 8, 2015 Order, at 1. Respondent has not filed a response.1 In its Response, the Government advises that Respondent neither submitted a renewal application prior to the expiration of its registration nor an application for a new registration. Id. The Government therefore acknowledges that this case is now moot. Id.; see Ronald J. Riegel, 63 FR 67132, 67133 (1998). Accordingly, I dismiss the Order to Show Cause. It is so ordered. Date: July 27, 2015. Chuck Rosenberg, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2015–19116 Filed 8–3–15; 8:45 am] PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 149 (Tuesday, August 4, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46324-46326]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19119]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration

[Docket No. 15-16]


Pedro E. Lopez, M.D.; Decision and Order

    On March 20, 2015, Chief Administrative Law Judge (CALJ) John J. 
Mulrooney, II, issued the attached Recommended Decision. Neither party 
filed exceptions to the Recommended Decision.
    Having reviewed the record in its entirety, I adopt the CALJ's 
findings of fact,\1\ conclusions of law, and

[[Page 46325]]

recommended order. Accordingly, I will order that Respondent's DEA 
Certificate of Registration be revoked and that any pending 
applications to renew or modify his registration be denied.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ I take official notice of the fact that, according to the 
registration records of the Agency, Respondent retains an active 
registration as of this date. Pursuant to 21 CFR 1316.59(e), 
Respondent may controvert this finding by filing a properly 
supported motion, no later than 10 days from the date of this Order.
     Notwithstanding that the language of section 824(a) authorizes 
either the suspension or revocation of a registration upon the 
making of one of the five findings enumerated therein, the Agency 
has consistently interpreted the CSA as mandating revocation where a 
practitioner's state authority has been suspended or revoked. As the 
Fourth Circuit has held, ``[b]ecause Sec.  823(f) and Sec.  802(21) 
make clear that a practitioner's registration is dependent upon the 
practitioner having state authority to dispense controlled 
substances, the [Administrator's] decision to construe Sec.  
824(a)(3) as mandating revocation upon suspension of a state license 
is not an unreasonable interpretation of the CSA.'' Hooper v. 
Holder, 2012 WL 2020079, *2 (4th Cir. 2012) (unpublished).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Order

    Pursuant to the authority vested in me by 21 U.S.C. 823(f) and 
824(a)(3), as well as 28 CFR 0.100(b), I order that DEA Certificate of 
Registration BL2132049, issued to Pedro E. Lopez, M.D., be, and it 
hereby is, revoked. I further order that any pending application of 
Pedro E. Lopez, M.D., to renew or modify his registration, be, and it 
hereby is, denied. This Order is effective September 3, 2015.

    Dated: July 27, 2015.
Chuck Rosenberg,
Acting Administrator.

Brian Bayly, Esq., for the Government.
Alan Rhine, Esq., for the Respondent.

ORDER GRANTING THE GOVERNMENT'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION AND 
RECOMMENDED RULINGS, FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND DECISION 
OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

    Chief Administrative Law Judge John J. Mulrooney, II. The Deputy 
Assistant Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA or 
Government), issued an Order to Show Cause (OSC), dated February 6, 
2015, proposing to revoke the DEA Certificate of Registration (COR), 
Number BL2132049, of Pedro E. Lopez, M.D. (Respondent), pursuant to 21 
U.S.C. 824(a)(3) and 21 U.S.C. 823(f), and deny any pending 
applications for renewal or modification of the COR, pursuant to 21 
U.S.C. 823(f).
    In the OSC, the Government alleges that the Respondent is, inter 
alia, without ``authority to handle controlled substances in the State 
of Illinois'' as grounds for revocation of the Respondent's DEA 
registration. On March 6, 2015, the Respondent, by counsel, filed a 
Request for Hearing in the above-captioned matter. The Request for 
Hearing stated that a hearing is appropriate because ``the Respondent 
has instituted proceedings to restore his authority to handle 
controlled substances in Illinois.'' Req. for Hrg. at 1.
    Consistent with my direction, the parties have briefed the issues. 
On March 11, 2015, the Government filed a Motion for Summary 
Disposition and Evidence in Support of its Motion for Summary 
Disposition (Motion for Summary Disposition), seeking that this 
tribunal issue a Recommended Decision granting the Government's Motion 
on the ground that the Respondent is currently without state authority 
to handle controlled substances. Mot. for Summary Disp. at 1. According 
to the Government's Motion, the State of Illinois, Department of 
Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) suspended the 
Respondent's license to practice medicine, effective March 12, 2014, 
and that suspension order remains in effect. Id. Attached to the 
Government's Motion is the IDFPR Order dated March 12, 2014 suspending 
the Respondent's state Physician and Surgeon License No. 036.074815 on 
the grounds that the Respondent failed to comply with the provisions an 
Agreement of Care, Counseling and Treatment that he had entered into 
with IDFPR.\2\ Id., Attachment 1 at 1-2. Under the IDPFR Order, the 
Respondent's state license was indefinitely suspended for a minimum 
period of six months. Id., Attachment 1 at 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ No objection to consideration of the Government's exhibit, 
or factual challenge to the matters asserted therein was asserted by 
the Respondent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On March 20, 2015, the Respondent, through counsel, filed a reply 
styled ``Response to the Government's Motion for Summary Disposition 
and Evidence in Support of its Motion for Summary Disposition'' 
(Respondent's Reply). In his Reply, the Respondent alleges that he is 
in the process of seeking reinstatement of his medical license from the 
state of Illinois. Resp't Reply at 2. In opposing the Government's 
requested relief, the Respondent avers that inasmuch as he is currently 
not prescribing controlled substances, granting a hearing, or at least 
deferring adjudication until his state privileges are restored presents 
no cognizable danger to the public. Id. at 2-3.
    In order to revoke a registrant's DEA registration, the DEA has the 
burden of proving that the requirements for revocation are satisfied. 
21 CFR 1301.44(e) (2015). Once DEA has made its prima facie case for 
revocation of the registrant's DEA COR, the burden of production then 
shifts to the Respondent to show that, given the totality of the facts 
and circumstances in the record, revoking the registrant's registration 
would not be appropriate. Morall v. DEA, 412 F.3d 165, 174 (D.C. Cir. 
2005); Humphreys v. DEA, 96 F.3d 658, 661 (3d Cir. 1996); Shatz v. U.S. 
Dept. of Justice, 873 F.2d 1089, 1091 (8th Cir. 1989); Thomas E. 
Johnston, 45 FR 72311 (1980).
    The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) requires that, in order to 
maintain a DEA registration, a practitioner must be authorized to 
handle controlled substances in ``the jurisdiction in which he 
practices.'' See 21 U.S.C. 802(21) (2012) (``[t]he term `practitioner' 
means a physician . . . licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted, 
by . . . the jurisdiction in which he practices . . . to distribute, 
dispense, [or] administer . . . a controlled substance in the course of 
professional practice''); see also 21 U.S.C. 823(f) (2012) (``The 
Attorney General shall register practitioners . . . if the applicant is 
authorized to dispense . . . controlled substances under the laws of 
the State in which he practices.''). DEA has long held that possession 
of authority under state law to dispense controlled substances is an 
essential condition for obtaining and maintaining a DEA registration. 
Serenity Caf[eacute], 77 FR 35027, 35028 (2012); David W. Wang, 72 FR 
54297, 54298 (2007); Sheran Arden Yeates, 71 FR 39130, 39131 (2006); 
Dominick A. Ricci, M.D., 58 FR 51104 (1993); Bobby Watts, M.D., 53 FR 
11919 (1988). Because ``possessing authority under state law to handle 
controlled substances is an essential condition for holding a DEA 
registration,'' this Agency has consistently held that ``the CSA 
requires the revocation of a registration issued to a practitioner who 
lacks [such authority].'' Roy Chi Lung, 74 FR 20346, 20347 (2009); see 
also Scott Sandarg, D.M.D., 74 FR 17528, 174529 (2009); John B. 
Freitas, D.O., 74 FR 17524, 17525 (2009); Roger A. Rodriguez, M.D., 70 
FR 33206, 33207 (2005); Stephen J. Graham, M.D., 69 FR 11661 (2004); 
Abraham A. Chaplan, M.D., 57 FR 55280 (1992); see also Harrell E. 
Robinson, 74 FR 61370, 61375 (2009).\3\ ``[R]evocation is warranted 
even where a practitioner's state authority has been summarily 
suspended and the State has yet to provide the practitioner

[[Page 46326]]

with a hearing to challenge the State's action at which he may 
ultimately prevail.'' Kamal Tiwari, M.D., 76 FR 71604, 71606, (2011); 
see also Bourne Pharmacy, Inc., 72 FR 18273, 18274 (2007); Anne Lazar 
Thorn, 62 FR 12847 (1997). Additionally, Agency precedent has 
established that the existence of other proceedings in which the 
Respondent is involved is not a basis upon which to justify a stay of 
DEA administrative enforcement proceedings. Grider Drug #1 & Grider 
Drug #2, 77 FR 44069, 44104 n.97 (2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ But see 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(3) (2012) (``A registration 
pursuant to section 823 of this title to manufacture, distribute, or 
dispense a controlled substance may be suspended or revoked by the 
Attorney General upon a finding that the registrant . . . has had 
his State license or registration suspended, revoked, or denied by 
competent State authority . . . .'') (emphasis added).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Congress does not intend for administrative agencies to perform 
meaningless tasks. See Philip E. Kirk, M.D., 48 FR 32887 (1983), aff'd 
sub nom. Kirk v. Mullen, 749 F.2d 297 (6th Cir. 1984); see also Puerto 
Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Auth. v. EPA, 35 F.3d 600, 605 (1st Cir. 1994); 
NLRB v. Int'l Assoc. of Bridge, Structural & Ornamental Ironworkers, 
AFL-CIO, 549 F.2d 634 (9th Cir. 1977); United States v. Consol. Mines & 
Smelting Co., 455 F.2d 432, 453 (9th Cir. 1971). Thus, it is well-
settled that, where no genuine question of fact is involved, or when 
the material facts are agreed upon, a plenary, adversarial 
administrative proceeding is not required. See Jesus R. Juarez, M.D., 
62 FR 14945 (1997); Dominick A. Ricci, M.D., 58 FR 51104 (1993). Here, 
the supplied IDFPR Order establishes, and the Respondent does not 
contest, that the Respondent is currently without authorization to 
handle controlled substances in Illinois, the jurisdiction where the 
Respondent holds the DEA COR that is the subject of this litigation.
    Summary disposition of an administrative case is warranted where, 
as here, ``there is no factual dispute of substance.'' See Veg-Mix, 
Inc., 832 F.2d 601, 607 (D.C. Cir. 1987) (``an agency may ordinarily 
dispense with a hearing when no genuine dispute exists'').\4\ At this 
juncture, no genuine dispute exists over the fact that the Respondent 
lacks state authority to handle controlled substances in the state of 
Illinois. Because the Respondent lacks such state authority, both the 
plain language of applicable federal statutory provisions and Agency 
interpretive precedent dictate that the Respondent is not entitled to 
maintain his DEA registration. Simply put, there is no contested 
factual matter adducible at a hearing that would provide DEA with the 
authority to allow the Respondent to continue to hold his COR.
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    \4\ Even assuming, arguendo, the possibility that the 
Respondent's state controlled substances privileges could be 
reinstated, summary disposition would still be warranted because 
``revocation is also appropriate when a state license has been 
suspended, but with the possibility of future reinstatement,'' 
Rodriguez, 70 FR at 33207 (citations omitted), and even where there 
is a judicial challenge to the state medical board action actively 
pending in the state courts. Michael G. Dolin, M.D., 65 FR 5661, 
5662 (2000).
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    Accordingly, I hereby
    GRANT the Government's Motion for Summary Disposition; and further
    DENY the Respondent's Request for Stay; and further
    RECOMMEND that the Respondent's DEA registration be REVOKED 
forthwith and any pending applications for renewal be DENIED.

    Dated: March 20, 2015.

JOHN J. MULROONEY, II,
Chief Administrative Law Judge.

[FR Doc. 2015-19119 Filed 8-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-09-P
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