Drug Diversion Training Course

Drug Diversion Training Course is organized by NurseCe4less.

Statement of Learning Need:
Increasingly, all members of the interdisciplinary health team are required to update their knowledge and practices to recognize and prevent drug diversion. Current federal and state laws require health administrators to develop drug diversion prevention programs that include mandatory training by all members of the interdisciplinary health team to recognize and report a substance use disorder and suspected drug diversion activities.

Course Purpose:
To provide knowledge for all members of the interdisciplinary health team who are expected to be compliant with the regulation of controlled substances, and to recognize and report the signs of drug diversion.

Course Summary:
Drug diversion can take many forms and there are common ways in which drugs are diverted. As the availability and scope of prescription drugs have expanded to include a range of opiates, non-opiate depressants, stimulants, and potent cold medicines, so too have the misuse of these substances and the tendency to use them recreationally. It is important for all members of the interdisciplinary health team, including prescribers, pharmacists, and nursing staff, to be aware of the different strategies for drug diversion as well as the common characteristics of patients or coworkers with a substance use disorder. There are also preventative measures that healthcare facilities and clinicians may or must use to help reduce the incidence of drug diversion. These include organizational policies mandated by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency, prescription drug monitoring programs, Federal guidelines for proper storage and security regarding controlled substances, and guidelines for ordering, prescribing, preparation and dispensing of prescription drugs or controlled substances.