What is required when wasting a dose of a controlled substance?

When wasting a dose of a controlled substance, the requirement is that it must be documented and signed by two licensed individuals. This practice is in place to ensure proper accountability and security surrounding controlled substances, which have a high potential for abuse and misuse. The involvement of two licensed individuals serves as a safeguard against inadvertent loss or diversion of these medications, promoting transparency in the handling of controlled substances.

Only requiring one individual to document the waste would potentially permit opportunities for errors or unethical practices to go unchallenged. Similarly, while having a pharmacist present may contribute to an additional layer of security, the regulatory framework specifically mandates that two licensed individuals must acknowledge and sign off on the waste to establish a verifiable record. Recording by nursing staff alone also does not satisfy the regulatory requirement, as it may not involve the necessary oversight or accountability from another licensed professional. Hence, the stipulation for dual signatures ensures comprehensive documentation and oversight in the controlled substance waste process.