435.010 Policy on Use of Controlled Substances in Research and Scholarly Activity

Executive Order No. 52, issued 5-8-2026

1. Purpose
   Due to their potential for abuse, controlled substances are highly regulated, and their use is subject to extensive licensing, registration, storage, security, disposal and other requirements. This policy is to ensure that those performing research, teaching, and service activities (“Research and Scholarly Activity”) with controlled substances are aware of and understand their responsibility for complying with the federal and state laws and regulations that apply to lawful possession and use of these substances.
2. Scope
   This policy applies to the lawful possession and use of controlled substances for Research and Scholarly Activity, and any related purposes necessary to support those activities. This policy does not apply to the use of controlled substances in clinical patient care. Clinical practitioners are directed to consult their site of practice regarding applicable controlled substance policies or procedures.
3. Overview
   1. The University does not maintain any institution-wide controlled substances registrations or licenses to support individual teaching, research, or service endeavors. Registration is linked to a specific location where the controlled substances are stored and used.
   2. It is the responsibility of the individual University employee to apply for and maintain valid federal and state Controlled Substances Registrations for their university-supported physical location and/or activity.
   3. Any University employee seeking lawful possession and use of controlled substances must obtain the necessary licenses and registrations from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Missouri Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) before gaining lawful possession or use of controlled substances.
   4. University employees seeking to lawfully possess and use controlled substances also remain subject to university-specific approval requirements applicable to all Research and Scholarly Activity, including but not limited to, compliance programs determined by each university. For example, research protocols involving controlled substances are subject to review and authorization by university offices such as the Office of Research, the Institutional Review Board, The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Sponsored Programs Administration office.
   5. Controlled substances must be stored securely at the registered address, such as in a locked cabinet or safe, and access must be limited to authorized personnel.
   6. Schedule I and II substances require higher security measures and must be stored separately from other controlled substances.
   7. Accurate and detailed records of controlled substances, including inventory, usage logs, and disposal records, must be maintained in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
   8. Any theft or loss of a controlled substance must be reported immediately to appropriate campus individuals and governmental agencies.
4. Implementation
   1. Each University’s Vice Chancellor for Research or equivalent and appropriate leaders will facilitate implementation of this policy and the creation and maintenance of additional policies, standard operating procedures, or other guidance documents as needed for each campus.
   2. Implementation of this Policy on Use of Controlled Substances in Research and Scholarly Activity will be a continuous and iterative process, and policies or procedures may be amended as laws and regulations governing controlled substances change.
   3. Each University will designate a primary contact on this policy for their campus community.