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?
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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 is a Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist?
A Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by nurse to ensure consistent healthcare operations. It contains 39 inspection points organized into 8 sections. FREE narcotic count verification checklist PDF. DEA and Joint Commission compliant. Shift count, discrepancy investigation, waste documentation. Download FREE template now.
How often should I use this healthcare checklist?
This checklist is designed to be completed every shift change. Regular use ensures compliance with DEA Regulations and Joint Commission MM Standards and helps identify issues before they become problems.
Can I download this Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist as a PDF?
Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 39 fields across 8 sections and typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete.
What compliance standards does this checklist cover?
This checklist helps ensure compliance with DEA Regulations, Joint Commission MM Standards, State Board of Pharmacy, Hospital Policy. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.
How do I complete this healthcare inspection checklist?
Begin by completing the header fields for Unit/Location, Count Date/Time, Outgoing Nurse, and Incoming Nurse. Work through each of the 8 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. Finally, complete the footer fields and add your signature. The entire process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
What are the key sections in this healthcare checklist?
This healthcare checklist is organized into 8 key sections: Count Procedure, Documentation Review, Discrepancy Handling (if applicable), Storage Security, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management. Each section contains specific inspection points that nurse must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during healthcare inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 15-20 minutes to complete.
Who should use this Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist?
This checklist is primarily designed for nurse working in healthcare operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that healthcare standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.