Preventing Large-Scale Controlled Substance Diversion from within the Pharmacy. Issue 5 (May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Emory S.; Dzierba, Steven H.; Jones, David M.
• Is Part Of: Hospital pharmacy. Volume 48:Issue 5(2013)
• Page Start: 406
• Page End: 412
• Publication Date: 2013-05
• Subjects: controlled substances -- diversion -- narcotics -- pharmacy management; Hospital pharmacies -- Periodicals; Pharmacy Service, Hospital; Hospital pharmacies; Periodicals; Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1310/hpj4805-406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0018-5787

Abstract

Large-scale diversion of controlled substances (CS) from within a hospital or heath system pharmacy is a rare but growing problem. It is the responsibility of pharmacy leadership to scrutinize control processes to expose weaknesses. This article reviews examples of large-scale diversion incidents and diversion techniques and provides practical strategies to stimulate enhanced CS security within the pharmacy staff. Large-scale diversion from within a pharmacy department can be averted by a pharmacist-in-charge who is informed and proactive in taking effective countermeasures.