college connection
MANAGING CONTROLLED DRUGS
MORE WORK NEEDED ON MANAGEMENT
OF CONTROLLED DRUGS AT FACILITIES
Managing controlled drugs appropriately
continues to be a prominent deficiency identified
during accreditation inspections in 2016.
An accurate controlled substances log, which
records all changes to inventory, is an essential
tool that should be found in every practice.
Further to that, the log must be audited weekly
to ensure it is accurate. Most facilities are
required to demonstrate that a controlled drug
audit is carried out on a weekly basis. Those
facility types that are not required to conduct
a weekly controlled drug audit are strongly
recommended to do a regular audit.
The privilege of prescribing and dispensing
appropriately comes with responsibilites to help
decrease the risk of inappropriate or illegal
access to controlled drugs. The College is
providing information and resources to assist
with education surrounding the management of
controlled drugs in veterinary facilities. Review
the resources below to assist your practice with
meeting the requirements.
• Stored controlled drugs securely at all times this means locked up.
• Limited access to only trained and trusted
individuals.
• Reported unreconciled loss or theft to Health
Canada and the police.
• Destroyed controlled drugs in accordance
with federal, provincial and municipal rules.
Watch for new videos:
The College is developing instructional videos to
explain the controlled drug log and the process
of conducting a weekly audit. The videos will be
available early in 2017.
Protect your patients, your clients, your staff, and
your licence - be rigorous, stay informed, know
the rules, recognize you have an important role
in public protection and public health related to
controlled substances.
Preparing for your inspection:
Review the accreditation area of the website for:
Who is in control of your controlled
substances?
• information on preparing for your inspection,
Complete the controlled substances
management checklist to evaluate your practice.
• common facility inspection issues,
Have you -
• tips for conducting weekly audits.
• sample checklists for the inspection,
• sample controlled substances log, and
• Established a protocol for the acquisition of
controlled substances.
• Maintained a controlled drug log.
• Ensured regular audits are performed.
College of Veterinarians
of Ontario
2106 Gordon Street
Guelph, Ontario
N1L 1G6
Discipline Summaries — The outcomes
of discipline hearings are public
information and are intended to
provide a greater understanding
of the veterinary profession’s
accountability to the public.
Summaries are posted in the
Discipline Orders section of the
College website (www.cvo.org/
Discipline-Orders). All findings are
also noted in the Public Register
which is available online at www.cvo.
org through the Find a Veterinarian
search feature. A copy of a
disciplinary decision is available by
contacting the College.
Discipline Summaries recently
posted are as follows:
• Dr. Manavdeep Khakh
Get Your Free Decal — The Facility
Accreditation Emblem is available
for use online on facility websites
and social media and also as a
window decal. Both are available
at www.cvo.org/getdecal. Order
yours today! Let everyone know your
facility meets provincial standards
and supports safe, quality animal
care.
• Read and implemented the rules - the
College’s Professional Practice Standard and
Guide on the Management and Disposal of
Controlled Drugs.
College Connection is the official publication
of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario,
informing members on regulatory issues,
with the expectation that members will
govern themselves accordingly. College
Connection is charged with the responsibility
of providing comprehensive, accurate and
defensible information.
Available online ...
Phone: (519) 824-5600
Toll-free: 1-800-424-2856
Fax: (519) 824-6497
Toll-free fax: 1-888-662-9479
[email protected]
www.cvo.org
Strengthening the veterinary profession through quality practice and public accountability.
Editor: Jan Robinson
Assistant to the Editor:
Kim Huson
Publication mail agreement
number: 40583010
www.cvo.org