Explanation should include
- restricting all access to drugs (e.g., receipt, storage, preparation, dispensing, distribution, administration) to authorized personnel only
- ensuring that a licensed pharmacist completes final verification on all dispensed medications
- making regular physical counts of all inventories (e.g., retail pharmacy, nursing units)
- following legal requirements, retail or institutional policies, and professional standards
- monitoring implementation of policies and procedures
- using tamper-proof labeling and sealing devices
- using surveillance cameras.
See ASHP 2.4.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What is the relationship between the prevalence of chemical dependency and medication diversion?
- What methods are used to deter theft and/or medication diversion?
- What methods are used to report theft and/or medication diversion?