Controlled medication storage/waste
With the new changing DEA laws our service is looking to upgrade how we manage and store our controlled narcotic medications. We have looked at several new safe options for the trucks but thought I would reach out to see how other services handle their narcotics.
How are you currently exchanging narcotics with oncoming crew members? We have looked at several new RFID tracking options along with manual tracking with schedule2IT.
How are you handling waste of controlled substances after the call is complete? Are you filling out a DEA form after each call is complete? Is the waste form integrated in your ESO or similar patient care report? Does your partner sign for the medication waste?
How are your narcotics stored? Do you have one box that stores multiple vials for multiple calls or do you have multiple pouches but can only be used one time each? We currently carry three boxes of identical loadouts but they can only be used for one call each and then black tagged. Have been questioning the option to move towards a multi use box for less crew fatigue having to swap after a call.
Thanks for this input and any other ideas that you have would be great!