CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SCHEDULES
Controlled substances and drugs require special
handling and security measures. The Controlled
Substance Act of 1970 established five schedules
(categories) related to a drugs potential for abuse,
medical usefulness, and degree of dependency, if
abused.
Controlled substances may migrate between
schedules, and new products may be added. These
changes will be promulgated by the Navy Materiel
Support Command in the Medical and Dental Materiel
Bulletin.
Schedule I
Schedule I substances have high abuse potential
and no accepted medical use (e.g., heroin, marijuana,
LSD).
Schedule II
Schedule II substances have high abuse potential
and severe psychological and/or physical dependence
liability. Examples of schedule II substances include
narcotics, amphetamines, and barbiturates.
Prescriptions for schedule II substances can never be
ordered with refills and must be filled within 7 days of
the date originally written.
Schedule III
Schedule III substances have less abuse potential
than schedule II substances and moderate dependence
liability. Examples of schedule III substances include
n o n b a r b i t u r a t e s e d a t i v e s , n o n a m p h e t a m i n e
stimulants, and medications that contain a limited
quantity of certain narcotics. Prescriptions must be
filled within 30 days of the date written and may be
refilled up to five times within 6 months.
Schedule IV
Schedule IV substances have less abuse potential
than schedule III substances and limited dependence
liability. Prescriptions must be filled within 30 days of
the date written and may be refilled up to five times
within a 6-month period.
Schedule V
Schedule V substances have limited abuse
potential. Schedule V substances are primarily
antitussives or antidiarrheals that contain small
amounts of narcotics (codeine). Prescriptions must be
filled within 30 days of the date written and may be
refilled up to five times within 6 months.
DANGEROUS DRUGS
Poisonous drugs, chemicals, and similar
substances are classified as dangerous drugs. Because
these substances are powerful, their containers should
have a distinctive color, size, or shape, and the
container should be placed in a special storage area so
they are not mistaken for other drugs. In addition, the
following safeguards should be enforced:
Label all containers of dangerous substances
appropriately.
Store caustic acids (such as glacial acetic,
sulfuric, nitric, concentrated hydrochloric, or
oxalic acids) in appropriate containers, and do
not issue to wards or outpatients.
Account for and issue methyl alcohol
(methanol) to be used by medical activities in the
same manner as other controlled substances.
Methanol should not be stored, used, or
dispensed by the pharmacy, ward, or outpatient
treatment facility.
SECURITY AND CUSTODY OF
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Schedule I and II controlled substances and ethyl
alcohol require vault or safe storage and inventory by
the Controlled Substance Inventory Board (discussed
in more detail in the section entitled Inventory of
Controlled Substances). Working stock may be kept
in a locked area within the pharmacy. A copy of the
safe combination must be kept in a sealed envelope
deposited with the CO or representative.
Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances
require locked cabinet security for storage of bulk
drugs. A minimum amount of working stock may be
dispersed among other pharmacy stock, provided the
pharmacy stock itself is secure. Otherwise, all stock in
this category must be kept in locked cabinets.
Custodial responsibility for controlled substances,
ethyl alcohol, and dangerous drugs at naval hospitals is
entrusted to a commissioned officer or a civilian
pharmacist who is appointed in writing by the CO. At
remote branch clinics that do not have a commissioned
officer or a civilian pharmacist, the CO will designate
6-25