Overview

Controlled substances (CS) diversion in health systems can lead to serious patient safety issues, harm to the diverter, and significant liability risk to the organization. In addition to patient harm, there are regulatory and legal risks to the organization, including fraudulent billing and liability for resulting damages, and decreased community confidence in the healthcare system.

ASHP Guidelines on Preventing Diversion of Controlled Substances provide a detailed and comprehensive framework to support organizations in developing their CS diversion prevention program (CSDPP). Ultimately, each organization is responsible for developing a CSDPP that complies with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, but also one that applies technology and diligent surveillance to routinely review process compliance and effectiveness, strengthen controls, and seek to proactively prevent or detect diversion.

This Assessment Tool is designed to help organizations see how their CSDPP aligns with ASHP's Guidelines. It serves as just one of many tools practitioners can use in their efforts to design, implement and manage the best CSDPP possible.

Disclaimer

The resources provided through the Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Program Assessment Tool (the “Tool”) are provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice of any kind. No users of the Tool should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in the Tool without seeking the appropriate professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue. The contents and products of this Tool address topics of interest to pharmacy practitioners and other audiences, and are offered on a blind basis, without any knowledge as to specific circumstances. The contents of the Tool contain general information only. ASHP does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, currency of information, or usefulness of the Tool or of any information contained in the Tool. ASHP expressly disclaims all liability in respect to the use of the Tool, including, but not limited to, any actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of the Tool. The contents of the Tool address topics of interest to pharmacy practitioners and other audiences, and are offered on a blind basis, without any knowledge as to specific circumstances. The application and impact of relevant laws will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The Tool does not include all relevant legal requirements or incorporate all current applicable laws. The Tool is intended solely to enhance diversion prevention controls in the health-system setting and should only be used to complement policies and procedures required by state, federal, and local authorities as well as those required by accreditation agencies.