54 Today's Veterinary Business Leadership
Federal, state and local gov-
ernments regulate controlled
substances. The U.S. Drug Enforce-
ment Administration serves as the
primary federal agency responsible
for enforcement of the Controlled
Substance Act (CSA).
Drugs that fall under the CSA are
divided into five schedules:
• I: No accepted use in human
or veterinary medicine. The
potential for abuse is high.
• II: A high potential for abuse
that "may lead to severe
psychological or physical
dependence," according to
the CSA. The federal govern-
ment sets production limits
for these drugs.
• III: Lower potential for
abuse than Schedule I or II
Learn drug security basics
Vet techs play a key role in oversight of controlled substances.
Managing controlled substances can be a daunting task that usually falls squarely on a veterinary techni-
cian's shoulders. Issues arise when a technician does not understand the regulations or when the hospital lacks good
systems for preventing the illegal acquisition, diversion and use of controlled drugs.
Leadership
GETTING TECHNICAL
By Sandy Walsh, RVT, CVPM