Interviewing a Healthcare Working Suspected of Diversion
During the interview process of healthcare workers suspended of diversion, we need to remain respectful and empathetic. I suspect this would come fairly naturally to those of us who conduct these types of interviews, but I thought I would throw it out there as a reminder. Now, this does not mean we do not ask […]
Read MoreInvestigative Interviewing & Advanced Interrogation Seminar Pt. 2
The four days at this seminar were days well spent! John E. Reid and Associates does a great job. Prior to the seminar, I would have said I have some experience and I can judge pretty well when a nurse is telling the truth about events surrounding a suspected diversion finding. After all, with an […]
Read MoreAttending an Investigative Interviewing & Advanced Interrogation Seminar
A few weeks ago while partnering with Protenus on a webinar titled Starting a Diversion Program from the Ground Up, there were a few questions during the Q&A session surrounding interviewing healthcare workers (HCWs) suspected of diversion. I think we all would agree that getting to the truth in an interview is not always straightforward […]
Read MoreDrug Diversion Withholds Meds from Patient
I was recently asked by someone what I did for a living. Occasionally I expound some, and people are always fascinated when the conversation goes a bit further than me stopping at “I am a pharmacist”. They are fascinated because they enter the world of medication safety and drug diversion monitoring with me for a […]
Read MoreHow Engaged are Your Staff in Maintaining Controlled Substance Security?
CMS Conditions of Participation states, “Abuses and losses of controlled substances must be reported, in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, to the individual responsible for the pharmaceutical service, and to the chief executive officer, as appropriate.” (482.25(b)(7). Survey Procedures for this are: Interview the pharmacists, or pharmacy employees to determine their understanding of […]
Read MoreTravelers Hired Under EMSA
Has it happened at your institution yet? Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) has adopted policies and procedures governing the use of out-of-state medical personnel to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak pursuant to the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation on March 4, 2020. Under this policy, facilities are bringing healthcare workers licensed in other states in to California […]
Read MoreIdentifying the Signs of Addiction
As mentioned in last week’s webinar sponsored by Protenus on How to Start a Drug Diversion Program From the Ground Up, one reason for implementing a comprehensive drug diversion program is to increase the chances of identifying drug diversion sooner rather than later. In doing this, we hope to identify the addicted healthcare worker in […]
Read MoreThey Are There, You Just Have to Find Them
I was in my vegetable garden this morning searching for the worms eating my tomato and mint leaves. For those of you who have ever grown tomatoes, you probably know what I’m talking about. I’ve known about those pesky tomato hornworms since my first tomato planting years ago but had no idea there were worms […]
Read MoreCompliance Reminders Surrounding the Ordering of Schedule II Medications
There are a couple items surrounding the ordering of CII medications that would be worth your time to confirm compliance within your organization. This applies to ordering with paper 222 forms and CSOS. Does everyone ordering CIIs have a Power of Attorney (POA) granted by the Registrant on file? Confirm these are on file and […]
Read MoreWords from TJC Surrounding CS Diversion Monitoring
The following is an excerpt from The Joint Commission Quick Safety Issue 48, April 2019: Detection of drug diversion is challenging, and even the best efforts have not yet achieved complete eradication of diversion. Patient and workplace safety require effective reliable safeguards to maintain the integrity of safe medication practices to protect against diversion. Diversion […]
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