Novant Health is a well-known healthcare system that serves communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. As a responsible healthcare system, Novant Health has implemented a policy that aims to reduce the misuse and abuse of controlled substances. This policy is called the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement.
What is the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement?
The Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement is a legal agreement that outlines the policy for prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring controlled substances. This agreement is mandatory for all patients who receive controlled substances from Novant Health providers.
The purpose of this agreement is to reduce the risk of harm associated with the use of controlled substances, including addiction, overdose, and diversion. By implementing this policy, Novant Health ensures that patients receive the appropriate care and treatment for their medical conditions while minimizing the risk of harm from controlled substances.
What does the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement entail?
The Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement is a comprehensive document that covers several aspects of the prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring of controlled substances. Some of the key elements of this agreement include:
1. Patient responsibilities: Patients who sign the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement are required to follow certain rules and responsibilities. This includes using the medications only as prescribed, keeping the medication in a secure location, and informing their provider of any changes in their health status or other medications they are taking.
2. Provider responsibilities: Providers who prescribe controlled substances are required to follow specific guidelines for prescribing, monitoring, and discontinuing these medications. This includes conducting a thorough evaluation of the patient`s medical history and current health status, monitoring the patient for signs of addiction and misuse, and ensuring that the patient is aware of the risks and benefits of the medication.
3. Drug testing: Patients who sign the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement may be required to undergo drug testing to ensure that they are using the medication as prescribed and are not misusing other substances.
4. Consent for information sharing: Patients who sign the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement are required to give their consent for their healthcare providers to share information about their controlled substance use with other healthcare providers involved in their care.
Why is the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement important?
The Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement is an important policy that helps to ensure patient safety when using controlled substances. By implementing this policy and ensuring that patients and providers follow specific guidelines, Novant Health can reduce the risk of harm associated with these medications.
Additionally, the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement helps to prevent the diversion of controlled substances. Diversion occurs when medications are used for non-medical purposes or are sold on the black market. By monitoring the use of these medications and requiring drug testing, Novant Health can identify and address potential diversion issues.
Conclusion
The Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement is a vital policy that helps to reduce the risk of harm associated with controlled substance use. By implementing this policy and ensuring that patients and providers follow specific guidelines, Novant Health can improve patient safety and prevent the diversion of these medications. If you are a patient receiving controlled substances from a Novant Health provider, it is important to understand and comply with the Novant Health Controlled Substance Agreement to ensure that you receive safe and effective care.