KDA Today

KDA Today

For Immediate Release

Date: Oct 20th, 2020
Contact: Jill Ewing Lee, R.Ph., Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

KASPER and Controlled Substance FAQ

Q: I have a DEA registration but rarely write for controlled substances. Am I still required to obtain a KASPER account?

A: Yes. All Kentucky licensed dentists with an active Kentucky DEA registration must register and maintain a KASPER account regardless of whether you plan to use such authority. 

Q: I am a Kentucky licensed dentist; however, I practice in Colorado and my DEA is registered to my office in Colorado. Do I need to maintain a KASPER account? 

A: No. Only dentists who are licensed to practice in Kentucky and have a Kentucky DEA registration are required to maintain a KASPER account. 

Important DEA Registration Information:  Although a DEA registration is federal registration, it does not allow you to prescribe controlled substances anywhere in the United States. The authority granted under registration with a Kentucky address ends at our border. While you only need one DEA to prescribe (issue a prescription) from multiple office locations in Kentucky, you will need additional DEAs if you practice in other states. You will also need additional DEAs if you plan on procuring, storing, or administering controlled substances in more than one location in a state. NOTE: Kentucky regulations prohibit dentists from dispensing (packaging and labeling medication for use by the patient outside the office setting) controlled substances. If you have additional questions, call DEA Registration Support at 571-362-6905.

Q: I have not had access to my KASPER account and I keep getting emails about creating a new KOG account. What is KOG?

A: KASPER moved to the cabinet’s single sign-in security portal Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) in May 2019. If you do not have a KOG account, you will need to create an account. Once you are logged in, search by the letter K for the Kentucky All Scheduled Prescription Electronic Reporting and click Enroll/Launch and you should see the Account Request Onboarding screen. You will be required to put in your old KASPER username and password to link to your old account. Please contact the KASPER Help Desk at 502-564-2703 or email eKASPERHelp@ky.gov if you do not remember your original KASPER credentials. Do NOT click on the “Request a New KASPER account” unless you have never had a KASPER account.

Q: Why do I need to use KASPER? 

A: Reviewing the report prior to administering or prescribing a controlled substance is important to prevent accidental or intentional misuse or diversion of prescribed medication. This process can assist with prevention and early treatment of substance use disorders. It is also required by law in certain instances. Refer to KRS 218A.172  and 201 KAR 8:540. 

Q: When am I required to run a KASPER? 

A: Prior to the initial prescribing or administration of a Schedule II or III controlled substance the dentist shall obtain and review a KASPER for the 12 months preceding the patient encounter. If the course of treatment extends beyond three months, and additional controlled substances are required, the dentist shall obtain a new KASPER report. You may review exceptions to this rule in the KBD prescribing and dispensing regulation (201 KAR 8:540). Please note, providing a Schedule II or III after oral surgery is no longer an exemption listed in the updated regulation. A quick reference guide is available in Table One.

Table One, Below

Dental (DMD/DDS) KASPER Guidelines 201 KAR 8:540

Drug ScheduleKASPER Query

II                        Required before initial prescribing and at least every three months during treatment

III                        Required before initial prescribing and at least every three months during treatment

IV                          Not required

V                        Not required

See regulation for exceptions (hospice, end of life, administered in hospital/LTC facility, cancer, or emergency).   

Q: I do not have time to request KASPER reports, can someone in my office do this for me?

A:  Yes. You may delegate an employee to request KASPER patient reports on your behalf by logging onto your KASPER account and clicking the Manage Delegate button in the Administration tab. You will be directed to your KOG profile where you can click the My Delegations tab and enter the name or email address under “Choose a user to invite” and click SEARCH. 

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that your delegate create his/her KOG account prior to the delegate invitation process. Once the delegate has activated their KOG account, search for the email address that the delegate provided. Searching by name may return multiple results, but searching by email will return a single result and help ensure you invite the intended person. The delegate should follow the instructions in the system generated email to obtain their own KASPER account. Do not share your KOG Log-in ID or password. Refer to section 4 of the KASPER-KOG User Guide for more information regarding delegate accounts. 

Q: I heard there was a three-day limit on pain pills, but my patient is in severe pain from major surgery and needs more. Should I refuse to give the patient medication?

A: In 2017, the General Assembly amended KRS 218A.205 to require the Board of Dentistry to establish regulations to limit prescribing to a three-day supply or less for pain as an acute medical condition with exceptions. If, in your professional judgement you believe more than a three-day supply of a Schedule II or III controlled substance is medically necessary, document the condition and lack of alternative treatment options in the patient’s medical record. Refer to KBD prescribing and dispensing regulation 201 KAR 8:540 . 

Q: Can I run a KASPER for potential employees to make sure they are not on drugs prior to hiring?

A: No. You may only query KASPER for the purpose of providing medical or pharmaceutical treatment to a bona fide current or prospective patient. There are penalties listed in (KRS 218A.202) for querying any other person. This is another reason why you should not share your username or password.  

Q: Can I share a KASPER report with another person?

A: Yes. You may provide a copy of the report to the patient or person authorized to act on the patient’s behalf. You may also share the report with other practitioners in your office who are providing treatment to the patient. Note: There are penalties listed in the statute for sharing the report with unauthorized individuals. Another good reason why you should not share your username or password. Refer to KRS 218.202 .

Q: Are dentists required to keep the KASPER report in the patient record?

A: It is not a requirement; however, it is recommended for documentation purposes. Alternatively, you may choose to record the KASPER request number located on the top right-hand side of the report, and document in your records that you reviewed the report.  

Q: Where do I find information and additional resources to comply with controlled substance laws?

A: The Kentucky Dental Board collaborated with the Drug Enforcement and Professional Practice Branch and created a page on their public web site under the DENTIST tab called Controlled Substance Prescribing. You will find dental regulations, KASPER FAQs and resources to help you comply with controlled substance laws. DEPPB staff are available to help you with additional questions or problems you encounter at 502-564-7985. You can also find additional information at CHFS-OIG Drug Enforcement Website.

Q: What is a Reverse KASPER?

A: This report, located in your Account Maintenance screen, helps to ensure that only your patients’ prescriptions are associated with your DEA Number. A review of your prescribing report (reverse KASPER) can also help identify fraudulent controlled substance prescriptions filled under your DEA Number. If you suspect an individual is diverting controlled substances, please report this to law enforcement authorities. If you are unsure how to proceed, please contact DEPPB for assistance at 502-564-7985. For information on how to obtain your Reverse KASPER, view the Reverse KASPER Tip. Note: DEPPB recommends circling your name at the top of the Rx if there are multiple dentists’ names listed to help pharmacists select the correct prescriber. 

Q: How can I view my Prescriber Report Card?

A: A practitioner with an active KASPER account can access their quarterly and annual KASPER Prescriber Report Cards (PRC) under the Account Maintenance tab in KASPER, which includes metrics based on the prescriber DEA number(s), area of work, and specialty designated in the prescriber master account holder’s KASPER personal account information. In 2019 the PRCs were updated to compare dentists and peers in the following specialties: endodontics, general, pediatric, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics. For more information on obtaining and reviewing your PRC, access the Prescriber Report Card User Guide. https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/dai/deppb/Documents/KASPERPrescriberReportCardUserGuide.pdf

KASPER and Controlled Substance FAQ

Jill Ewing Lee, R.Ph.

Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Q: I have a DEA registration but rarely write for controlled substances. Am I still required to obtain a KASPER account?

A: Yes. All Kentucky licensed dentists with an active Kentucky DEA registration must register and maintain a KASPER account regardless of whether you plan to use such authority.

Q: I am a Kentucky licensed dentist; however, I practice in Colorado and my DEA is registered to my office in Colorado. Do I need to maintain a KASPER account?

A: No. Only dentists who are licensed to practice in Kentucky and have a Kentucky DEA registration are required to maintain a KASPER account.

Important DEA Registration Information:  Although a DEA registration is federal registration, it does notallow you to prescribe controlled substances anywhere in the United States. The authority granted under registration with a Kentucky address ends at our border. While you only need one DEA toprescribe (issue a prescription) from multiple office locations in Kentucky, you will need additional DEAs if you practice in other states. You will also need additional DEAs if you plan on procuring, storing, or administering controlled substances in more than one location in a state. NOTE: Kentucky regulations prohibit dentists from dispensing (packaging and labeling medication for use by the patient outside the office setting) controlled substances. If you have additional questions, call DEA Registration Support at 571-362-6905.

Q: I have not had access to my KASPER account and I keep getting emails about creating a new KOG account. What is KOG?

A: KASPER moved to the cabinet’s single sign-in security portal Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) in May 2019. If you do not have a KOG account, you will need to create an account. Once you are logged in, search by the letter K for the Kentucky All Scheduled Prescription Electronic Reporting and click Enroll/Launch and you should see the Account Request Onboarding screen. You will be required to put in your old KASPER username and password to link to your old account. Please contact the KASPER Help Desk at 502-564-2703 or email eKASPERHelp@ky.gov if you do not remember your original KASPER credentials. Do NOT click on the “Request a New KASPER account” unless you have never had a KASPER account.

Q: Why do I need to use KASPER?

A: Reviewing the report prior to administering or prescribing a controlled substance is important to prevent accidental or intentional misuse or diversion of prescribed medication. This process can assist with prevention and early treatment of substance use disorders. It is also required by law in certain instances. Refer to KRS 218A.172  and 201 KAR 8:540.

Q: When am I required to run a KASPER?

A: Prior to the initial prescribing or administration of a Schedule II or III controlled substance the dentist shall obtain and review a KASPER for the 12 months preceding the patient encounter. If the course of treatment extends beyond three months, and additional controlled substances are required, the dentist shall obtain a new KASPER report. You may review exceptions to this rule in the KBD prescribing and dispensing regulation (201 KAR 8:540). Please note, providing a Schedule II or III after oral surgery is no longer an exemption listed in the updated regulation. A quick reference guide is available in Table One.

Table One

Q: I do not have time to request KASPER reports, can someone in my office do this for me?

A:  Yes.You may delegate an employee to request KASPER patient reports on your behalf by logging onto your KASPER account and clicking the Manage Delegate button in the Administration tab. You will be directed to your KOG profile where you can click the My Delegations tab and enter the name or email address under “Choose a user to invite” and click SEARCH.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that your delegate create his/her KOG account prior to the delegate invitation process. Once the delegate has activated their KOG account, search for the email address that the delegate provided. Searching by name may return multiple results, but searching by email will return a single result and help ensure you invite the intended person. The delegate should follow the instructions in the system generated email to obtain their own KASPER account. Do not share your KOG Log-in ID or password. Refer to section 4 of the KASPER-KOG User Guide for more information regarding delegate accounts.

Q: I heard there was a three-day limit on pain pills, but my patient is in severe pain from major surgery and needs more. Should I refuse to give the patient medication?

A: In 2017, the General Assembly amended KRS 218A.205 to require the Board of Dentistry to establish regulations to limit prescribing to a three-day supply or less for pain as an acute medical condition with exceptions. If, in your professional judgement you believe more than a three-day supply of a Schedule II or III controlled substance is medically necessary, document the condition and lack of alternative treatment options in the patient’s medical record. Refer to KBD prescribing and dispensing regulation 201 KAR 8:540 .

Q: Can I run a KASPER for potential employees to make sure they are not on drugs prior to hiring?

A: No. You may only query KASPER for the purpose of providing medical or pharmaceutical treatment to a bona fide current or prospective patient. There are penalties listed in (KRS 218A.202) for querying any other person. This is another reason why you should not share your username or password. 

Q: Can I share a KASPER report with another person?

A: Yes. You may provide a copy of the report to the patient or person authorized to act on the patient’s behalf. You may also share the report with other practitioners in your office who are providing treatment to the patient. Note: There are penalties listed in the statute for sharing the report with unauthorized individuals. Another good reason why you should not share your username or password. Refer to KRS 218.202 .

Q: Are dentists required to keep the KASPER report in the patient record?

A: It is not a requirement; however, it is recommended for documentation purposes. Alternatively, you may choose to record the KASPER request number located on the top right-hand side of the report, and document in your records that you reviewed the report.  

Q: Where do I find information and additional resources to comply with controlled substance laws?

A: The Kentucky Dental Board collaborated with the Drug Enforcement and Professional Practice Branch and created a page on their public web site under the DENTIST tab called Controlled Substance Prescribing. You will find dental regulations, KASPER FAQs and resources to help you comply with controlled substance laws. DEPPB staff are available to help you with additional questions or problems you encounter at 502-564-7985. You can also find additional information at CHFS-OIG Drug Enforcement Website.

Q: What is a Reverse KASPER?

A: This report, located in your Account Maintenance screen, helps to ensure that only your patients’ prescriptions are associated with your DEA Number. A review of your prescribing report (reverse KASPER) can also help identify fraudulent controlled substance prescriptions filled under your DEA Number. If you suspect an individual is diverting controlled substances, please report this to law enforcement authorities. If you are unsure how to proceed, please contact DEPPB for assistance at 502-564-7985. For information on how to obtain your Reverse KASPER, view the Reverse KASPER Tip. Note: DEPPB recommends circling your name at the top of the Rx if there are multiple dentists’ names listed to help pharmacists select the correct prescriber.

Q: How can I view my Prescriber Report Card?

A: A practitioner with an active KASPER account can access their quarterly and annual KASPER Prescriber Report Cards (PRC) under the Account Maintenance tab in KASPER, which includes metrics based on the prescriber DEA number(s), area of work, and specialty designated in the prescriber master account holder’s KASPER personal account information. In 2019 the PRCs were updated to compare dentists and peers in the following specialties: endodontics, general, pediatric, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics. For more information on obtaining and reviewing your PRC, access the Prescriber Report Card User Guide.https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/dai/deppb/Documents/KASPERPrescriberReportCardUserGuide.pdf

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