Controlled Substances Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Veterinary Practice
Creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for controlled substances in a veterinary practice is key to ensuring compliance, safety, and quality care. It provides a structured approach for managing substances from ordering to disposal, with clear guidelines on drug lists, safety protocols, and logging procedures to prevent misuse or diversion.
Defining who is responsible for each task—ordering, receiving, administering, and disposing—strengthens accountability. Clear protocols ensure compliance with federal and state laws, reducing legal risks and preparing for audits by demonstrating safe and lawful management of controlled substances.
A well-crafted SOP for controlled substances ensures both legal compliance and quality patient care. It safeguards against legal issues, promotes safe practices, and builds patient trust.
To make it easier to implement effective SOPs, we’ve created this guide—to help you structure your protocols, identify areas for improvement, and maintain adherence to all applicable DEA regulations.
Download a free SOP template for controlled substances
How to Use This SOP
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is designed to serve as a clear and practical guide for managing controlled substances in your veterinary practice. Follow these steps to ensure proper implementation:
1. Familiarize Your Team
Share this SOP with all relevant team members and ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities regarding controlled substance management.
2. Customize as Needed
Adapt the SOP to align with your specific practice’s workflows, state regulations, and unique needs, while maintaining compliance with DEA guidelines.
3. Incorporate Into Daily Operations
Use this SOP as a reference for daily tasks, including procurement, storage, inventory management, administration, and disposal of controlled substances.
4. Conduct Regular Training
Schedule routine training sessions to keep your team up to date on procedures and to reinforce the importance of compliance.
5. Perform Self-Audits
Use the SOP to conduct regular self-audits, identifying and addressing any areas of non-compliance before they become an issue during a formal audit.
6. Document Everything
Ensure all steps outlined in the SOP are documented thoroughly to create a complete compliance trail in case of a DEA or State audit.
By consistently following this SOP, your practice will remain compliant, reduce risks, and foster a culture of accountability and professionalism.
