Controlled Substances: Drug Control System and Disposal After Death

Sets the Agency’s drug control system for controlled substances in the home: the written policy given to and discussed with the patient and family when a controlled drug is first ordered, safe storage and counts, disposal of unused controlled substances in the home (for example leftover morphine or other opioids) at the time of death with family or caregiver permission by a trained hospice physician or nurse (with a social worker assisting if needed), the rule that staff and volunteers never remove drugs from the home, documentation, suspected diversion, and controlled drugs in the Agency’s own facility.