The veterinary scheduled drugs are ripe for diversion and misuse. These present significant challenges for licensed veterinarians who have to abide by all the DEA rules and regulations at all times!
Just like regular scheduled drugs, there are veterinary controlled substances that have been identified as having the potential for abuse. These have been classified into schedules one through five and federal law requires that they can be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian only.
These licensed veterinarians are required to abide by a string of federal, state and local laws and regulations when it comes to the purchasing, storage, handling and disposal of the controlled substances. Again, when it comes to prescribing and dispensing, appropriate treatment records have to be maintained in writing for at least two years for all the animals treated.
In addition to the above, it goes without saying that the medical practitioners should always exercise sound clinical reasoning and use current medical information before prescribing the scheduled drugs to any patient (animal). Furthermore, the prescription drugs should be prescribed and dispensed only in the specific quantities required for the treatment. Unlimited refills of the prescriptions should be avoided at all costs as this will create conditions for misuse of the drugs.
The licensed veterinarians and their offices are further liable to undertake supervisory precautions – they should keep a watch out for any kind of misuse or diversion and report it to the authorities at once. Educating the pet owners about how to safely obtain and use the medications while cautioning them about the potential for misuse is also essential.
Complying with the Regulations
The use and prescribing of veterinary controlled substances is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) apart from the state controlled substance authorities. The DEA may conduct planned or surprise audits on a veterinary clinic or pharmacy to check whether everything is in accordance with the regulations. They will inspect everything from the record logs and other documentation to the storage and security measures in place. Any anomalies can cost the medical facility dearly, both in terms of fines and loss of reputation. Judicial proceedings may also follow.
Now it is observed that despite following the due procedures and security protocols for controlled substances with utmost care and caution, there are always some gaps that can affect the compliance levels of the licensed facilities. Therefore, it becomes crucial to have a professional thoroughly review and analyze the procedures, workflow and compliance at all times.
Experts like the Titan Group can provide an in-depth assessment of a facility’s risk for drug diversion or potential to fail a DEA regulatory audit. Additionally, they will also help strengthen the practice’s policies, procedures and day-to-day operations to ensure complete conformity with the rules and regulations concerning veterinary controlled drug log, storage, handling, dispensing and so on.
And this is just what the doctor ordered (pun unintended) to ensure that the facility stays on the right side of the law!
