Spotlight On

Drug diversion is the illegal distribution or abuse of prescription drugs or their use for unintended purposes. The diversion of prescription drugs may occur at any point as prescription drugs are distributed from the manufacturer to wholesale distributors, to pharmacies, and ultimately to the patient. Though this problem is nearly universal among healthcare instititions, many don't have adequate processes in place to detect it. Moreover, concerns about civil and regulatory liability, as well as negative publicity, often impede healthcare organizations from reporting instances of drug diversion. Dr. Howard Zucker, New York State Department of Health Commissioner, speaks with noted provider drug diversion expert Kimberly New, JD, BSN, RN about how prevalent the problem of drug diversion is, the signs of potential drug diversion activity, and how to set up a robust facility program to avert potential diversion events. This program is provided on behalf of the New York One and Only Campaign, a public health effo