The International Health Facility Diversion Association estimates that at least 37,000 drug diversion incidents occur in U.S. facilities each year, and this number is likely underreported.1 Expect several components to an onsite visit from the DEA and explore best practices to prevent medication diversion.
An onsite visit from the DEA can take place for several reasons. These may include a regularly scheduled inspection, when theft or loss occurs, after a patient complaint, or at the request of a hospital to help discover any issues. You can expect a DEA visit to follow a standard process.
DEA investigators will traditionally meet with health system administrators and designated controlled substance handlers. As the investigation evolves, health-system staff should be prepared to proceed with a tour of the facility and controlled substance storage areas and to discuss standard operating procedures. DEA investigators may also conduct a controlled substance document request and a physical count of controlled substances on hand, including a review of the inventory process. In this article, we will review what to expect and records that may need to be produced for the audit.
