Under what conditions can a long-term care facility have controlled substances on hand?

Long-term care facilities, like nursing homes or assisted living facilities, are permitted to keep controlled substances primarily for the purpose of patient care, but there are strict regulations governing how these substances can be stored and accessed. Having controlled substances in emergency kits with limited access addresses the need for immediate availability of these medications while also incorporating safeguards to prevent misuse or diversion.

Emergency kits are typically designed to provide medications that may be critically needed in urgent situations, ensuring that patients receive timely treatment. Access to these kits is often restricted to certain healthcare personnel, which minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. Therefore, this method of storage aligns with best practices and regulations intended to ensure the safety and proper management of controlled substances in a long-term care setting.

The other options lack the necessary safeguards or specificity that regulations require for the lawful handling of controlled substances in these facilities. Keeping controlled substances as regular stock with no restrictions, for example, could lead to potential diversion or misuse. Acquiring substances only from certified pharmacies is a practice that is typically required, but it does not address the conditions under which these substances can be kept on hand once at the facility. Lastly, allowing for patient-specific prescriptions only would limit the timely availability of medications in emergency situations, which could compromise patient care.