Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 29 MAS 715 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Your Part in Controlled-Substance Compliance
The idea
Medical assistants help with controlled-substance compliance only as the practice allows, and the rules leave no room for shortcuts.
In practice
Step one: handle controlled substances only if your state and practice permit it, and only as trained. Step two: keep them locked at all times, and never share keys or codes. Step three: record every unit received, given or wasted, at the time it happens, as the practice's procedure requires, with any required witness. Step four: route every request for a controlled-substance prescription or refill to the provider. Step five: report any discrepancy, suspected theft or loss immediately.
Where people slip
Most controlled-substance problems begin as small lapses in recording. Exact, immediate records, and reporting rather than covering discrepancies, protect patients, the practice and you.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Medical Assistant Prep