Preventing the Accumulation of Surplus Controlled Substances at Long Term Care Facilities

Because long term care facilities (LTCFs) generally do not have pharmacies on site and are not registered with DEA, they typically receive controlled substances prescribed for specific patients in 30 day supplies, although smaller supplies are sometimes used. As patients leave or their medication needs to be changed, the LTCFs accumulate stocks of excess controlled substances. The excess stocks can result in significant problems with waste and disposal and present opportunities for diversion of controlled substances. DEA is proposing changes to its existing regulations to allow, where State laws permit, for pharmacy installation of automated dispensing systems (ADSs) at LTCFs. Automated dispensing systems would allow dispensing of single dosage units and mitigate the problem of excess stocks and disposal.