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An Audit Report on Controlled Substances Management at Texas A&M University

August 2023

Overview

The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at Texas A&M University did not have adequate processes and controls to ensure that it disposed of controlled substances, such as expired products and prescriptions that were no longer needed by animal owners, in accordance with applicable federal and internal requirements. VMTH also did not have accurate and complete records of the controlled substances transferred for off-site destruction. Additionally, while VMTH documented most required information on product waste, it should ensure that appropriate disposal containers for product waste are available and used by its personnel.

VMTH did have effective physical security controls in place to safeguard controlled substances. However, opportunities exist for VMTH to improve its inventory management processes.

HIGH

Disposal of Inventory and Other Controlled Substances

VMTH did not comply with certain federal and internal disposal requirements and did not have adequate disposal records.

Jump to Chapter 1-A
MEDIUM

Disposal of Product Waste

Two VMTH personnel witnessed the disposal of most product waste. However, VMTH should ensure that product waste is discarded in appropriate disposal containers.

Jump to Chapter 1-B
MEDIUM

Safeguarding

VMTH securely stored controlled substances and restricted physical access to storage locations; however, certain aspects of its inventory management processes should be strengthened.

Jump to Chapter 2

LOW

Procurement and Dispensing

VMTH ensured that controlled substances were procured in accordance with applicable requirements and that two personnel witnessed most dispensing of controlled substances.

Jump to Chapter 3
MEDIUM

Confidential Report

To minimize security risks, auditors communicated details about audit findings related to certain security weaknesses in a separate report to the University. Those findings were rated Medium, indicating moderate risk. Action is needed to address the noted concerns and reduce risks to a more desirable level.


Jump to Note on Confidential Findings

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