Webinar exposes critical flaws in drug security practices

The Veterinary Medical Board held a webinar on November 14, 2024, focusing on important topics related to drug security and misbranding in veterinary practices. The meeting highlighted the issue of expired vaccines and the practice of changing expiration dates on drug labels, which is considered misbranding. A future webinar is planned to delve deeper into drug misbranding, counterfeit drugs, and legal drug use in California.

During the session, the board clarified regulations regarding the storage of controlled substances. It was emphasized that while a double-lock cabinet is not mandatory, controlled drugs must be kept in a securely locked cabinet. The board encouraged practitioners to assess their own security measures to ensure that drugs are adequately protected from theft or misuse.

Several examples of poor drug security were presented. These included inadequate storage solutions, such as a plastic cabinet with a simple key lock and controlled substances left unsecured on counters. The board stressed that expired drugs must be segregated and secured, as they still require inventory tracking and cannot be disposed of through public drop boxes.

The webinar also addressed the responsibilities of veterinarians in reporting stolen or missing controlled substances. Registrants must notify the DEA within 24 hours of discovering a significant loss. The board advised practitioners to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their drug inventories.

As the veterinary field increasingly adopts automated systems for tracking controlled substances, the board warned against potential pitfalls. Incorrect scheduling of drugs in electronic systems can lead to significant issues, underscoring the importance of proper setup and training.

Overall, the meeting served as a crucial reminder for veterinary professionals to maintain high standards of drug security and compliance with regulations to ensure the safety of their practices and the animals they serve.