What procedure should a pharmacy follow when dealing with broken controlled substance tablets?

When a pharmacy encounters broken controlled substance tablets, maintaining a dual or joint destruction log is the correct procedure. This practice aligns with federal and state regulations that govern the management and disposal of controlled substances.

A dual or joint destruction log serves multiple purposes: it provides a traceable record of the destroyed substances, ensuring accountability, and it typically requires the involvement of at least two pharmacy staff members to witness and confirm the destruction. This is particularly important when handling controlled substances, as it helps prevent diversion and ensures compliance with legal requirements.

In contrast, immediate disposal without documentation does not meet regulatory standards and could lead to potential legal issues. Additionally, sending broken tablets to a reverse distributor is usually meant for full containers of unused medications rather than for individual broken tablets. Reporting to the DEA is typically required for more significant issues regarding loss or theft, rather than routine disposal of broken tablets.

By following the protocol of keeping a dual or joint destruction log, pharmacies can ensure they adhere to necessary legal standards while promoting safe and accountable practices.