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Application Process Transparency - CDS License - Practitioners
Every person who conducts research with, manufactures, distributes, procures, possesses, prescribes, or dispenses any controlled dangerous substance within this state, including third-party logistics providers, or who proposes to engage in the research, manufacture, distribution, procurement, possession, prescribing, or dispensing of any controlled dangerous substance within this state shall obtain a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) license from the board prior to engaging in such activities. Only persons actually engaged in such activities are required to obtain a CDS license; related or affiliated persons, e.g., stockholder in manufacturing corporation, who are not engaged in such activities, are not required to be licensed. The performance of such activities in the absence of a valid CDS license shall be a violation of R.S. 40:973.
Fee: To be paid with the submission of the online application.
- APRN, DDS, DPM, INT, MD, MDT, MP, OD, PA, RNT - $45.00
- DVM - $20.00
Application: Application for New Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License for Practitioners. This application is available online through the Online Services Portal.
Required Attachments (Checklist):
- Social security card
- Legible copy of the professional license issued by the Louisiana primary licensing board.
- APRNs and ODs must include a legible copy of their Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter from their professional licensing agency.
Board Review: Board staff will verify that the applicant has met the following requirements:
- Holds an active primary license without any restrictions that would prevent the prescribing, procuring, or possession of controlled dangerous substances.
- A review of prior actions and criminal history, reported by the applicant, is completed when all documents have been received and payment processed.
Criminal history may be used as a basis for denial. All factors outlined in LA:R.S. 37:2950 shall be considered.
Issuance: In the event that there are no matters preventing the immediate issuance, the board will issue the credential within 14 business days. CDS-INT will be issued to limited status. CDS-APN, CDS-OD, and CDS-PA will be issued in active status with only the schedules authorized by the primary licensing board.
Start the application process.
Inquiries regarding Controlled Dangerous Substance Licenses may be submitted to:
Ashley Moses, Licensing Analyst - Amoses@pharmacy.la.gov