West Virginia Nurses: Controlled Substances and Drug Diversion

Course overview

The misuse of regulated medications is a national problem. Nurses are in a perfect position to evaluate risks for both patients and involved health care professionals. This continuing education program is designed to provide an overview of the regulations governing the appropriate use of controlled substances, proper clinical use of controlled substances, and strategies to prevent and respond to diversion. Learning objectives After completing this course, nurses will be able to -Provide a definition for the diversion of prescription medications -Give an example of a Schedule III controlled substance -Describe one tool for preventing diversion -Name two key steps that are essential for the responsible prescribing of controlled substances -Offer an example of behavior that may help to identify an impaired nurse -Characterize one critical element necessary in an appropriate response to a confirmed case of diversion