SECTION 573.61. Minimum Security for Controlled Substances

Veterinarians shall adhere to the following to ensure security of controlled substances:

(1) Establish adequate security to prevent unauthorized access to controlled substances.

(2) Establish adequate security to prevent the diversion of controlled substances.

(3) During the course of business activities, do not allow any individual access to controlled substances storage areas except those authorized agents required for efficient operations.

(4) Controlled substances listed in Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V shall be stored in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet or security cabinet.

(5) The term "substantially constructed cabinet" means the following:

(A) A structure of wood or metal so constructed as to resist any entry by simple tools of attack such as screw drivers, crow bars, tire tools, pry bars, etc. Hinges should not be mounted with bolts or screws on outside of door and the locking devices should be installed internally as in a dead bolt type or the device should be of a type that has protected mounting screws or bolts to inhibit removal. The cabinet should be permanently constructed or attached to the building structure or fixtures so as to prevent the cabinet from being physically removed from the premises. If the cabinet is a metal file cabinet type, it should be permanently attached to prevent easy removal and have an external locking bar that secures the drawer or drawers.

(B) A security cabinet or safe equivalent in construction to a Class 6 Mosler Government Sales Security Filing Cabinet or a Class 5 Mosler Government Safe.

(C) A cabinet less substantially constructed may meet security requirements provided the cabinet is located in a room or area entrance to which has been so constructed that hinge mountings inhibit removal and a limited number of employees have keys or combinations to locking device. If combination locks are utilized, the combination can be changed upon termination of employees having knowledge of the combination. A veterinarian must maintain a written list of all persons that have access to the controlled substances storage areas, including the dates on which individuals are added or deleted from the list.

Source Note: The provisions of this §573.61 adopted to be effective June 14, 2012, 37 TexReg 4229