The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) produces a list of Controlled Substances Act Registration Records (CSA). The file consists of records of individuals registered under the Controlled Substance Act including registrants doing business under their individual name rather than a business name. The data is used to credential practitioners as well as to certify a practitioner’s CSA status.

The DEA also produces a list of registrants whose certification numbers have been retired or suspended from the Active File. The certification number enables physicians, related practitioners, other established health organizations, and others to prescribe and handle controlled substances. If a number has been retired or suspended, that individual or business entity may no longer prescribe or handle these substances.