Schedule I and II Controlled Substances Security Standards

Minimum Security Standards for Institutional Dispensers

• Institutional dispensers must securely store controlled substances according to their schedule:
  • Schedule I and II controlled substances: stored in a GSA class 5 rated steel cabinet or equivalent safe approved by the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, or a vault with a multiple position combination lock, relocking device, and steel plate at least 0.5 inches thick.
  • Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances: stored in a securely locked cabinet of substantial construction.

Storage of Working Stocks

• Working stocks of controlled substances in a registered pharmacy:
  • May be dispersed throughout non-controlled substances to obstruct theft or diversion, if the conditions of section 80.6 are met and the pharmacy is locked when not in operation.
  • If not dispersed, controlled substances in Schedules II, III, and IV must be kept in a stationary, securely locked cabinet of substantial construction.
• Working stocks of controlled substances for institutional dispensers without a registered pharmacy, treatment programs, license holders engaging in research, instructional activities, and chemical analysis:
  • Schedule I, II, III, and IV controlled substances: stored in stationary, locked double cabinets with separate keys for inner and outer cabinets.
  • Schedule V controlled substances: stored in a stationary, securely locked cabinet of substantial construction.
  • Limited supplies of controlled substances for emergency situations: stocked in sealed emergency medication kits.

Patient Care Units

• Patient care units of institutional dispensers or institutional dispensers limited:
  • Controlled substances kept as floor stocks on patient care units for general patient use and quantities prescribed or ordered for a specific patient exceeding a 72-hour supply must be stored according to subdivision (c) of this section.
  • Controlled substances prescribed or ordered for a specific patient in quantities not exceeding a 72-hour supply may be stored with the patient's other medications at the patient care unit, provided they are kept in a securely locked medication cart or other approved storage unit.
  • Schedule II controlled substances may not be stocked in medication carts.
  • Medication carts must be equipped with double-keyed locks, anchored to a floor or wall device, have a locked drawer system, and an independent locking device. Access to medication carts shall be limited to an identified individual at all times.

This quiz covers the minimum security standards for institutional dispensers, research, and instructional activities involving Schedule I and II controlled substances. Learn about the secure storage requirements for these substances.