West Virginia MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

Who is responsible for the enforcement of federal law requirements for the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of controlled substances?

1. DEA Administrator

2. FDA Commissioner

3. US Attorney General

4. US Secretary of Health

The correct answer is: DEA Administrator

The responsibility for enforcing federal law requirements concerning controlled substances primarily falls to the DEA Administrator. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is specifically tasked with the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and is responsible for regulating the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of controlled substances. This includes activities such as investigating illegal drug operations, conducting audits of licensed establishments, and ensuring that compliance with federal regulations is maintained. The DEA operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice and is critical in combating drug trafficking and abuse, thus reinforcing the role of the Administrator in overseeing these important functions. This specific enforcement authority is separate from that of the other entities listed, as they have different roles in the regulation of drugs. For instance, while the FDA Commissioner oversees drug safety and efficacy, the US Attorney General has a broader role in legal enforcement and prosecution, and the US Secretary of Health focuses on public health policy rather than direct enforcement of controlled substances regulations.