IPPC’s 5 Ways to Prevent Drug Diversion

1. Med Delivery Protocols – Have a defined process of how drugs are received into the building with appropriate tracking such as retaining delivery logs and staff signature on deliver logs for medications received. Avoid leaving medications out in the open.

2. Medication Security – One of the most critical aspects of avoiding diversion is to make sure that medications are always stored properly and in a secure location. Make it a policy to always have medications locked up when not attended either in the med cart or in a locked area with limited access. Controlled substances should always be double locked and controlled substances should be counted from shift to shift with documentation.

3. Reporting Drug Diversion – Train your staff to be observant and cautious. Encourage immediate reporting of suspicious activities if medications appear to have been tampered with or are missing.

4. Leadership Accountability – Ensure that there is clear accountability for responsibility for medications. Routine audits of controlled substances should be performed often.

5. Med Destruction – When medications are discontinued there should be a clear time frame and process for handling these medications. Avoid discontinued medications laying around for long periods of time. Have a secure place for these medication to be stored until they can be destroyed. Always have two individuals sign off on the destruction of medications.