Controlled Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Establishing and maintaining good practices in medication security is imperative to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing pharmaceuticals, especially controlled substances.  Organizations do well at ensuring meds are locked up, inventory control logs are complete, and staff are accountable.  However, we are frequently finding opportunities to access controlled medications in pharmaceutical waste streams.  Recently, during a mock survey of an obstetrical surgical suite, a consultant found several opened, multi-dose vials of Morphine in a non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste container.  These vials were mostly full and could pose a real risk if obtained by an unauthorized individual.  The surgical suites were accessible to a variety of staff, including environmental services staff, facilities staff, and contracted construction workers rehabilitating adjacent surgical rooms.  The organization used a pharmaceutical waste disposal system in its main surgical suites for controlled substances; however, this system was not installed in the obstetrical surgical area.  Leaders must ensure that a process is in place to address controlled substance waste disposal and that it is established in all applicable areas.   Rounding for compliance is necessary to ensure practice is aligned with policy.  Collaboration with Anesthesia services would help clarify their concerns regarding controlled medication disposal. Additionally, considerations for single-dose vials should be made to reduce waste.  

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Courtemanche & Associates specializes in Healthcare Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Consulting Services. With over 30 years of being in business and 100+ years of healthcare experience amongst our consulting team, we are ready to assist with your accreditation and regulatory compliance needs.