Investigating narcotic diversion

Management is responsible for developing policies and procedures not only for handling of narcotics but also for investigating and intervening in drug-related incidents. Both nurse managers and peers often feel ill-prepared to deal with drug impairment. Nurses who suspect a peer of substance abuse should notify the manager, who must cross-check all medication documentation and look for the many tell-tale signs of narcotic diversion. If sufficient evidence is discovered, the nurse must be confronted and directed to some type of peer assistance or other recovery program.