South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-4 - Controlled Substances
Part 1900 - Handling and Administering Controlled Substances in Hospitals
Section 61-4.1900.1904 - Responsibility for Controlled Substances
The administrative head of the hospital as a registrant under the Controlled Substances Act is responsible for the proper safeguarding and handling of controlled substances within the hospital. Responsibility for storage, accountability, and proper dispensing of controlled substances from the pharmacy may be delegated to a pharmacist employed by the hospital. Likewise, the Director of Nursing is usually delegated the authority for proper storage at nursing stations, and use, as directed by physician orders. However, delegation of authority does not relieve the administrator of the hospital of supervisory responsibility to insure detection and correction or any diversion of mishandling. The administrator shall be certain that all possible control measures are observed, and that any suspected diversion or mishandling of controlled substances is reported immediately to the Bureau of Drug Control for investigation. The administrator is ultimately responsible that all thefts be reported to DHEC pursuant to §§410 through 411 of this Regulation.