What Does Trump's New DEA Administrator Mean for You?

In February 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Terrance C. "Terry" Cole as the new Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Two of Trump's earlier choices for DEA administrator withdrew from consideration after being nominated, leading to quite a bit of turbulence within the agency and questions from those who must maintain compliance with its regulations. 

Cole, a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 28 years of experience, including 22 years at the DEA, has held numerous leadership roles within the agency. His previous position was as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. 

This leadership change is significant for professionals in pharmacies, veterinary clinics, and medical facilities subject to DEA regulations. Mr. Cole's extensive background suggests a potential shift toward stricter enforcement of controlled substance policies, which could directly impact how these entities manage compliance.

In this blog, we will explore the anticipated regulatory changes under Cole's administration, including possible adjustments in enforcement priorities and compliance expectations. Understanding these developments is crucial for healthcare providers to maintain adherence to DEA guidelines and ensure the continued safe dispensing of controlled substances.

Who Is Terry Cole, DEA Administrator?

Terry Cole brings over 28 years of law enforcement experience, including 22 years with the DEA. His career encompasses domestic assignments in Oklahoma, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C., as well as international missions in Colombia, Afghanistan, Mexico, and the Middle East. Notably, Terry Cole served as Chief of Staff and Executive Officer at the DEA's Special Operations Division, represented the agency at the National Security Council, and was the Acting Regional Director overseeing operations in Mexico, Canada, and Central America before retiring in 2020. 

Following his federal service, Terry Cole transitioned to the private sector as Senior Vice President at Aperia Solutions, focusing on secure transaction processing and regulatory compliance for the financial industry. In 2023, he was appointed Virginia's Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, where he led initiatives against fentanyl trafficking and human trafficking, notably through Operation FREE, which resulted in significant drug seizures. 

Terry Cole has consistently advocated for stringent drug enforcement policies. He has expressed concerns about the dangers of high-potency marijuana, linking its use to increased health risks, and has been vocal about the need for robust action against drug cartels, describing Mexico as a "training ground for terror" due to cartel activities. 

Known for his assertive leadership style, Cole emphasizes proactive measures and interagency collaboration to combat drug trafficking and ensure compliance with controlled substance regulations. His appointment suggests a potential shift toward more rigorous enforcement and oversight for DEA-regulated entities, underscoring the importance for pharmacies, veterinary clinics, and medical facilities to maintain strict adherence to compliance protocols.

Expected DEA Enforcement Priorities

Under the leadership of Terry Cole, several key areas affecting pharmacies, veterinary clinics, and medical facilities are anticipated to undergo significant changes:

Controlled Substance Regulations

Terry Cole has consistently advocated for stringent drug enforcement policies, particularly concerning high-potency substances. Given his stance, it's plausible that the DEA will implement more rigorous monitoring of opioid prescriptions, potentially introducing stricter prescription limits and enhanced reporting requirements. These measures aim to curb misuse and diversion of controlled substances, necessitating that healthcare providers meticulously adhere to updated guidelines to ensure compliance.

Telemedicine & E-Prescribing

The DEA has recently issued new regulations concerning the prescription of controlled substances via telemedicine. These regulations establish a "special registration" framework, allowing healthcare providers to prescribe controlled substances through telemedicine encounters without an initial in-person evaluation, provided certain criteria are met. This development aims to balance patient access to necessary medications with safeguards against misuse and diversion. Healthcare providers utilizing telemedicine should familiarize themselves with these new requirements to ensure compliance. 

Inspections & Audits

With his emphasis on proactive enforcement, DEA-regulated entities can and should anticipate an increase in inspections and audits. In order to maintain comprehensive records and adhere to stringent security protocols, DEA compliance training may be needed. Facilities should be prepared for potential unannounced inspections and ensure that all documentation is current and complies with DEA standards to avoid potential penalties. 

Diversion Control Efforts

Preventing the diversion of controlled substances remains a top priority under the new administration. The DEA is expected to enhance efforts to secure the pharmaceutical supply chain, implementing measures to detect and prevent diversion activities. This includes stricter oversight of distribution channels and more robust reporting obligations for any suspicious activities. Pharmacies, veterinary clinics, and medical facilities must implement comprehensive diversion control plans, conduct regular staff training, and stay informed about evolving DEA policies to ensure compliance and contribute to the broader effort of combating substance misuse.

Compliance Considerations for Pharmacies, Vets, and Medical Facilities

Terry Cole's tenure is poised to bring about significant changes in DEA policies affecting healthcare providers. Staying informed and proactively adjusting compliance practices will be essential for all DEA-regulated entities.

Record-Keeping & Reporting

One of the most critical aspects of DEA compliance is accurate and up-to-date record-keeping for controlled substances. With the appointment of Terry Cole as DEA Administrator, there is a strong likelihood that regulations on inventory management and reporting will become even more stringent. Businesses that dispense, store, or prescribe controlled substances should prepare for increased scrutiny of their documentation processes.

Key areas of focus include:

• Maintaining complete and accurate records of all controlled substances, including receipts, dispensing logs, disposal records, and theft/loss reports.
• Automating reporting processes using DEA-approved digital inventory systems to reduce human error and streamline compliance.
• Conducting regular internal audits to verify that all records are in line with DEA expectations.
• Ensuring proper reporting of theft, loss, or suspicious activity through DEA Form 106 and other required documentation.

To stay ahead of regulatory changes, TITAN Group offers DEA compliance training programs that cover best practices in record-keeping, inventory audits, and DEA reporting requirements to help businesses maintain compliance effortlessly.

Staff Training & Accountability

With the DEA expected to ramp up enforcement under Cole’s leadership, staff training on compliance best practices is more important than ever. Improper handling of controlled substances — even if unintentional — can lead to severe penalties, loss of licensure, and legal consequences for both employees and the business.

Effective DEA compliance training includes:

• Understanding DEA regulations for controlled substances, including prescription guidelines, handling procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Recognizing red flags for drug diversion, such as unusual prescribing patterns, suspicious patient behavior, or internal theft risks.
• Training on proper documentation procedures, ensuring employees correctly record all transactions involving controlled substances.
• Reinforcing accountability and ethical responsibilities for staff members to prevent misconduct and regulatory violations.

TITAN Group’s DEA Compliance & Training Programs provide in-depth workshops and online training modules to help businesses ensure their employees are well-equipped to meet DEA standards and mitigate risks of noncompliance.

Security Measures

Preventing the diversion of controlled substances begins with strong security protocols. The DEA has already implemented regulations requiring facilities to store Schedule II-V controlled substances in secure areas, but additional enforcement measures under the new administration could mean stricter inspections, updated storage requirements, and tighter supply chain controls.

To stay compliant and protect your business from regulatory violations, it’s critical to implement:

• Secure storage solutions, such as safes, locked cabinets, and restricted-access areas for controlled substances.
• Advanced surveillance and monitoring systems to track and log employee access to controlled substances.
• Strict access control policies, ensuring only authorized personnel can handle DEA-regulated medications.
• Regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and address potential risks before they lead to compliance violations.

TITAN Group specializes in customized security assessments and compliance solutions to help pharmacies, veterinary clinics, and medical facilities meet evolving DEA security requirements. Our expert team provides hands-on guidance to help businesses fortify security measures and prevent controlled substance diversion.

What Actions Should You Take Now?

#1 Review Your Compliance Program: Before new DEA policies take effect, it’s crucial to conduct an internal DEA compliance audit to identify any gaps in record-keeping, security measures, and overall adherence to controlled substance regulations. 

Navigating DEA regulations can be complex, but ensuring compliance isn’t optional. This quick, six-question DEA compliance quiz is designed to help you assess your facility's readiness for DEA inspections and identify areas where you might be at risk.

This proactive approach helps ensure that your pharmacy, veterinary clinic, or medical facility meets existing compliance standards while preparing for potential regulatory changes under the new administration. Ongoing regular internal audits can also prevent costly penalties, streamline operational processes, and demonstrate due diligence in the event of a DEA inspection.

#2 Stay Informed: Staying informed about DEA announcements and TITAN Group’s updates on regulatory changes is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding potential violations. As new policies are introduced, these updates provide critical insights into shifting enforcement priorities, reporting requirements, and best practices for handling controlled substances. Regularly reviewing these resources ensures that your business remains proactive, prepared, and fully aligned with evolving DEA guidelines.

#3 Seek Expert Guidance: Meet with a DEA compliance consultant​ at TITAN Group to ensure your policies align with evolving regulations. This guide from TITAN Group is designed to assist those prescribers and distributors in understanding DEA registration, how to stay compliant, and the full responsibilities they inherently bear in their positions.

Stay Ahead of DEA Compliance Challenges With TITAN Group

With potential regulatory changes on the horizon, businesses handling controlled substances must stay proactive in compliance, staff training, and security preparedness. TITAN Group’s DEA compliance training and consulting services provide industry-leading expertise to help your organization navigate these challenges with confidence.

Contact an expert DEA compliance consultant to discuss your next steps in the wake of changing DEA regulations. We have decades of experience and have helped companies like yours navigate numerous regulatory changes and DEA administrations.