What is a reverse distributor?

• A. A person who distributes new controlled substances to pharmacies.
• B. A person who receives controlled substances from another DEA registrant to return to the manufacturer or dispose.
• C. A person who audits controlled substance prescriptions.
• D. A person who writes controlled substance prescriptions.

Answer: (B)

A reverse distributor is a DEA-registered entity that takes back controlled substances from other registrants (like pharmacies or hospitals) to either return them to the manufacturer or dispose of them properly. This role exists to prevent diversion and ensure destruction is completed in a compliant, auditable way. It’s about receiving and handling unwanted or outdated controlled substances, not about distributing new drugs, auditing prescriptions, or writing prescriptions.