When are controlled medications typically counted and logged?

Controlled medications require careful monitoring to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. This includes both accountability for the medications and preventing misuse. Counting and logging controlled medications at the beginning and end of each shift is a best practice that ensures continuous oversight during every period of care.

By counting at the start of each shift, caregivers confirm the amount of medication on hand and can address any discrepancies before administering doses. This ensures that all staff are aware of the current inventory and can make informed decisions about administration based on accurate data. Additionally, counting again at the end of the shift serves as a final check to ensure that all medications have been accounted for after use, allowing for immediate identification of any issues.

This dual count protocol establishes a system of checks and balances, fostering accountability among staff and helping to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations regarding controlled substances. It also minimizes the risk of errors or loss of medication by ensuring that accountability is a continuous process rather than limited to infrequent checks.

While counting only at the end of the shift may overlook potential discrepancies that could arise during the shift, counting only with the arrival of new batches or on a weekly basis fails to maintain the necessary oversight that is critical for the safe handling of controlled substances.