What must a medical assistant do when handling controlled substances?

A medical assistant must keep a detailed inventory and log of all transactions when handling controlled substances to ensure proper tracking and accountability. This practice is critical in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements outlined by agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Accurate logging helps prevent misuse, diversion, and loss of controlled substances and provides a transparent record necessary for audits and inspections.

While secure storage in a locked cabinet is vital for preventing unauthorized access to controlled substances, the primary responsibility centers around maintaining detailed records of all transactions. This includes documenting each time a controlled substance is received, dispensed, or destroyed, which is crucial for legal purposes and for maintaining the safety and integrity of the pharmaceutical processes within a healthcare setting.

Ensuring that patient education sessions occur is important, but it does not directly pertain to the immediate responsibilities tied to the handling and documentation of controlled substances. Dispensing medications without supervision is against standard operating procedures and regulations; a medical assistant must always operate within the scope of their practice and receive proper oversight when dealing with medications, especially controlled substances.