Discussion Considerations on creating Theft/Robbery guidelines:
Initial and annual review (working new hires in)
Tools: NADDI Pharmacy Security Checklist
Video on Rxpatrol.org (about 10-12mins)
www.phmic.com>sitemap>pharmacy solutions for (choose pharmacy) (robbery policy template here along with another security evaluation on pgs 4-6)
· Building security (cameras, motion detectors) > Check to see they are recording, what they are pointing at, how long is loop storage, still free of obstructions (tree hasn’t grown, etc), put security to test and have them pull a loop from xx days ago.
· Security devices (panic button, distress code/silent alert on top of alarm entry code) >test to see if you get a response
· Keys (establish key log – staff, facilities, security office)
· Cash deposits (staggering time of day they are made)
· Emergency number tree (pharmacy staff, Corporate account management, Corporate Compliance, hospital administration, police and 911, Board of Pharmacy/Narcotics Unit, Privacy Officer (if theft of PHI (grabbed bags in pending Rx pickup, alarm company) > Check to see if current 1x a year
· Training security video (some security depts have videos in their libraries)
· Pharmacy design evaluation (doors, dutch doors, windows, lighting) > Lighting (evaluate day and night time lighting – internal and parking lot)
· Open input from staff on potential loop holes during open discussion time, also think about procedures for how staff should handle calls for people “inquiring/fishing” for stock levels of a particular narcotic i.e.; “do you have old formulation of Oxy?”
· Review Corporate Global Security page on suggestions for dealing with aggressive situations and policy on handguns and also what your facility policy on this
· First Aid Kit > review each year to make sure it is filled
· Signage – even if no cameras-- potential to install “camera” signs to give perceived risk of surveillance as deterrent
Tips from RxPatrol video to help with apprehension includes: wiping/cleaning of doors & vehicles regularly so that fingerprints can be lifted, installation of height tape markers that can help determine height of individual either by staff or through video review, marking bottles of controlled substances on the bottom with a unique # so they can be traced/reported back to pharmacy.
Considerations after the robbery (close pharmacy, incident reports, helpline for associates to call for psychological counseling if necessary, Workmen’s Comp process if injuries occur, handling witnesses [incident forms for them to fill out]) and dealing with news media (who is facility contact).
Reporting to DEA, State agency for controlled substances, BOP