Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1401115
12 Covetrus | ph: 855.724.3461 | fx: 888.329.3861 | northamerica.covetrus.com Reduce your taxable income … Section 179 tax deduction Controlled Substance Management Most veterinary practices place false confidence in locked narcotics closets and gun safes to protect the clinic's most sensitive stock. Many staff members will admit the key is frequently in plain sight in the lock for most of the day. C-II log books in 3-ring binders, hand-counted physical inventory, and hope and trust were always inadequate. Now, the risks are even higher for employee diversion due to mounting pressure from social distancing, business tension, and strain that an overworked staff can experience. A 2018 study by the Center for Health, Work & Environment found that 12 percent of surveyed veterinarians were aware of opioid diversion by a staff member, and 44 percent were aware of opioid abuse or misuse by a client or a staff member. One reason for the rising prevalence is ease of access, which can lead to diversion. To minimize the opportunities for theft of controlled substances, veterinarians have an obligation to go beyond just providing effective physical security. They must initiate additional procedures to reduce access by unauthorized persons. Minimum-security standards for practitioners are set forth in the federal regulations (Title 21 CFR 1300) and should be used as a guidance in evaluating your practice's security. If the DEA or State Board of Pharmacy performs an audit, veterinarians' overall security controls will be evaluated to determine if they meet the intent of the federal law and regulations to prevent theft or diversion. " Given that 1 in 10 healthcare workers will abuse drugs, no news is NOT good news when it comes to drug diversion" — Institute for Safe Medication Practices Risks of controlled med diversion Questions? Contact Erica Kinser, 704.728.9410, ekinser@capsahealthcare.com Ask these questions when evaluating your own controlled substance and prescription drug storage practices: 1. Does your facility have in place a controlled substance and prescription chain of custody procedure? 2. Are the controlled substances and prescription drugs in your facility secured? 3. Are complete and accurate logs kept for the ordering, storage, dispensing, and disposal of controlled medications? If you answered "no" to any of these questions regarding controlled substance management, you are at risk of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and DEA regulations governing the dispensing, administration, record keeping, storage, and disposal of controlled substances. How can Covetrus help? Consider a practical technology for the storage and inventory of narcotics and high-value medications: NexsysADC from Capsa Healthcare. This easy-to- use system holds up to 400 doses in one cabinet; and management has 24/7 visibility to each transaction and inventory levels through a robust cloud connection and interface to your PIMS. NexsysADC is the highest level of accountability and safety, yet priced below traditional automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs).