Pharmacy
Today, it’s not a matter of if drug diversion will take place. It’s a matter of when.
If you run a pharmacy, you trust and count on your employees. They’re an important part of your team and your work “family.” But sometimes the people you least expect might be doing things that could mean big trouble for your business.
Today’s DEA rules and regulations are so complex, business owners and practitioners struggle to understand what they should be doing. Plus, the opioid crisis has resulted in more federal and state resources being put toward preventing drug diversion. And, the pressure is on investigators to step up controlled-substance compliance programs and conduct even tougher oversight.
90%
of reported theft or loss of controlled substances comes from pharmacies.
Source: The Advisory Board Company, 8/11/1617
pharmacy thefts occur in the U.S. each day. (Almost as many as bank robberies.)
Source: “Stopping Controlled Substance Drug Diversion.” Volume 2016, Course No. 228, Self-Study Course #160228.40%
of pharmacists voluntarily admitted to taking a regulated prescription substance without a prescription.
Source: University of Georgia, 10/9/1734% of pharmacies never investigated ADC stockouts
21% did not have software to identify diversion
16% did not use an automated vault for controlled substances
Hefty civil fines are being levied against non-compliant individuals and businesses across the healthcare industry, including pharmacies. Inspections conducted by the DEA and state agencies are typically unannounced, and the current federal fine per infraction is $15,691. But, it’s not uncommon for fines to exceed $1 million.
Most common violations cited by the DEA:
Lack of Physical Security
Registration Issues
Failure to Prevent Diversion
Poor Record-Keeping
It can happen to you.
Whether it’s a trusted employee, long-time client or even a relative, pharmaceutical practices are at risk for drug diversion. It’s imperative that you be prepared. Now is the time to investigate, identify, correct and strengthen your pharmacy against the most common vulnerabilities you face today. Keeping up with changing standards, best practices, new requirements and growing threats are the most effective ways to protect your business. But failing to adapt to these new realities may not only cost you financially, it can also cause irreparable harm to your personal and professional reputation.
Don’t worry. We can help.