in writing a member of the branch clinic as custodian.
On board large naval vessels, the CO will appoint an
officer of the Medical Department or another officer in
writing as the bulk custodian. This officer will be
responsible for, and maintain custody of, all bulk
controlled substances. On board smaller naval vessels,
access to controlled substances is limited to the bulk
custodian and the senior medical department
representative (SMDR).
Only individuals whose
official duties require access to such spaces are
provided the safe combinations.
INVENTORY OF CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCES
Monthly (or more frequently, if necessary), the
Controlled Substances Inventory Board takes an
unannounced inventory of controlled substances.
NOTE: An exception to this frequency may
be made for ships with an Independent Duty
Corpsman. On these ships, the inventory may
be conducted on a quarterly basis if there have
been no transactions of controlled substances
(including filled prescriptions or receipts of
items requisitioned from supply).
The CO appoints the members of the board in writing.
The board consists of three members, at least two of
whom are commissioned officers.
After the board
conducts the inventory, it submits a report to the CO.
The officer having custodial responsibility cannot be a
member of the board. On small ships and installations,
the SMDR may be a board member.
For further
guidance on controlled substance inventory procedures,
refer to NAVMEDCOMINST 6710.9, Guidelines for
Controlled Substances Inventory.
SURVEY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Schedule I and II controlled substances, ethyl
alcohol, and locally controlled drugs that have become
outdated, deteriorated to the point of not being usable,
are of questionable purity or potency, or have had their
identity compromised, must be reported to the CO. If
destruction is indicated and directed by the CO,
destruction must be accomplished in the presence of a
member of the Controlled Substance Inventory Board.
A certification of destruction form contains the
complete nomenclature and quantity of the substances
to be destroyed together with the method of destruction
to be used. After certification is completed, approved
by the CO, and signed by the members witnessing the
destruction, the certification of destruction is retained
and filed as required by current instructions.
The
destroyed substances should then be removed from the
stock records and the controlled substance log.
SUMMARY
Inpatients and the majority of outpatients will
receive pharmaceutical products as part of their
treatment.
As a healthcare provider who may
administer these products or fill prescriptions, it is
crucial for you to have a good foundation of knowledge
in pharmacology, toxicology, and the proper handling
of prescriptions and controlled substances.
This
chapter touched on each of these topics to assist you in
your duties.
However, you should consult the
recommended publications, such as the Manual of the
Medical Department, Drug Facts and Comparisons,
and the Physicians’ Desk Reference, to provide you
with the guidance and knowledge you will need to
provide the best possible care for your patients.
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