DEBAR Act of 2021 (H.R. 1002)

Summary

Gives the Attorney General power to ban people from handling controlled drugs if they have a history of having their registration taken away before.

What problem does this solve?

Some people who handle controlled drugs repeatedly broke the rules but could still get their registration back. This law allows the Attorney General to permanently ban these repeat offenders from handling controlled drugs.

What does this law do?

New power to ban drug handlers

Authorizes the Attorney General to ban a person from registering to make, sell, or give out controlled substances or list I chemicals.

Conditions for a ban

A person can be banned only if they meet the conditions for having their registration suspended or taken away, and they have a history of previous suspensions or revocations.

Flexible ban duration

The Attorney General can make the ban permanent or for a specific period, and it can be with or without conditions.

Who does this affect?

Doctors and pharmacists
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Drug distributors

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens oversight of drug handlers

Gives the government a stronger tool to stop doctors, pharmacists, or manufacturers who have repeatedly broken the rules from contributing to problems like the opioid crisis.

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Increases federal power over medical professionals

Gives the Attorney General the authority to permanently ban individuals from their profession related to controlled substances, which could be seen as an overreach of federal power.

When does this start?

This law takes effect as soon as it is signed.