Who can the director of a facility delegate the destruction of controlled substances to?

The correct answer highlights that a licensed nurse can be delegated the responsibility of destroying controlled substances under the supervision of the facility director. This delegation is particularly significant because the destruction of controlled substances is a controlled process that must comply with strict regulations to ensure safety and prevent misuse.

In many states, including Nevada, licensed nurses are trained and authorized to handle medications responsibly within their scope of practice. Their training encompasses understanding the legal implications of handling controlled substances, which is critical when it comes to destruction. Delegating this task to a licensed nurse ensures that it is performed by someone knowledgeable about the proper protocols and regulatory requirements, ultimately maintaining compliance with the law.

In contrast, allowing any staff member or someone without specific training to handle destruction of controlled substances could lead to improper handling, legal issues, and potential misuse. Moreover, while pharmacists are indeed capable of managing and overseeing the destruction process, the question specifically allows for the delegation of this responsibility, rather than limiting it strictly to pharmacists. The head of nursing may have administrative responsibilities, but they do not necessarily possess the relevant direct training or legal authority concerning the handling and destruction of controlled substances unless they are a licensed nurse. This is why the choice of a licensed nurse aligns with regulatory standards and facility protocols for managing controlled substances