Updated IAHSS Industry Guideline 07.02.01 Drug Diversion

The International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) announces the  release  of an update to industry guideline 07.02.01 “Drug Diversion” regarding the security of such processes within the healthcare environment. This guideline was originally developed by the IAHSS Council on Guidelines.

Bryan Warren, Council on Guidelines member, feels that the additional information which has been included in this new update will greatly benefit our members and those dealing with such incidents. “The potential for drug diversion and proper investigation of missing medications is a recurring security concern for healthcare facilities. This updated guideline includes additional information such as medications brought from home by patients, the need to secure wasted medications properly, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in conducting investigations and an updated list of valuable references.”

The guideline opens with the  statement  that “Healthcare Facilit ies (HCFs) should implement safeguards and administer appropriate drug control methodologies including the investigation of controlled substance diversion or theft .” 

The IAHSS Council on Guidelines is comprised of volunteer IAHSS members who are seasoned healthcare security professionals and leaders. Each year the Council on Guidelines develops new industry guidelines and reviews existing guidelines on  a  three-year cycle. All IAHSS guidelines are available electronically to IAHSS members via the IAHSS website. Hardcopies of the guidelines booklet are available for sale in the IAHSS online store.