What are best practices for managing controlled substances to prevent diversion and ensure safety?

• A. Secure storage and strict access controls alone are sufficient.
• B. Secure storage, accurate inventory, detailed administration records, routine audits, and strict access controls.
• C. Loose storage and irregular audits.
• D. No inventory records required.

Answer: (B)

Preventing diversion and safeguarding patients hinges on a layered system that combines several safeguards working together. Secure storage with strict access controls reduces the chance that someone can take controlled substances without authorization. An accurate, up-to-date inventory provides the true stock level and helps you notice unexpected changes promptly. Detailed administration records create a clear trail of every dose, who administered it, and when, so there’s accountability for every use. Routine audits then compare the physical inventory with the records, identify discrepancies, and trigger investigations before small issues become big problems.

If any of these elements are missing, gaps appear. Focusing only on storage and access controls leaves you without a verified stock baseline and a traceable usage record. Loose storage or irregular audits increase opportunities for diversion, and having no inventory records means you can’t detect loss or tampering. The strongest practice is the combination of secure storage, accurate inventory, thorough administration records, regular audits, and strict access controls.