Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist
Controlled substance count verification at shift change including medication count, discrepancy investigation, and proper documentation.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Every shift change
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Nurse
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: DEA Regulations, Joint Commission MM Standards, State Board of Pharmacy, Hospital Policy
Count Procedure
Proper counting process
- Both nurses present for count?
- Each medication physically counted?
- Count matches recorded quantity?
- All storage areas checked?
Documentation Review
Record verification
- All administrations properly documented?
- All wastes properly witnessed and documented?
- All returns to pharmacy documented?
Discrepancy Handling (if applicable)
If count does not match
- Discrepancy found?
- Investigation initiated if discrepancy?
- Supervisor notified of discrepancy?
- Pharmacy notified?
Storage Security
Security verification
- Controlled substance cabinet locked?
- Keys/access devices accounted for?
- No signs of tampering?
Pre-Assessment Information
Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification
- Assessor Name / Credentials
- Assessment Date
- Department / Unit
- Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
- Previous assessment findings reviewed?
Infection Prevention & Control
Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
- Isolation precautions properly implemented?
- Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
- High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?
Patient Safety & Identification
Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures
- Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
- Fall risk assessment completed?
- Call light within patient reach?
- Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?
Medication Safety & Management
Verify medication handling and administration practices
- Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
- Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
- No expired medications in stock?
- High-alert medications properly labeled?
Related Healthcare Checklists
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Why Use This Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist?
This narcotic count/controlled substance verification checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for nurse professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: every shift change.
Ensures compliance with DEA Regulations, Joint Commission MM Standards, State Board of Pharmacy, Hospital Policy. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 8 sections: Count Procedure, Documentation Review, Discrepancy Handling (if applicable), Storage Security, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every shift change. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.