Corporate Compliance

Tip: Steps for a drug-purchasing audit

Compliance Monitor, April 27, 2005

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An audit of the internal workings of your organization's pharmacy will ensure that effective controls are in place for purchasing drugs. When conducting the audit, follow these steps:

  • Pull a sample of completed purchase orders, including some with controlled drugs

  • Verify the accurateness and appropriateness of everything on the purchase orders

  • Verify that the amounts ordered are reasonably consistent with the par levels set for the perpetual inventory

  • Trace prices to price sheets or vendor contracts

  • For controlled substances, ensure that the pharmacy uses form DEA 222 (the US Drug Enforcement Administration for ordering controlled substances)

  • Watch for orders for nonformulary drugs-there should be special approval for these drugs

  • Observe personnel as they receive, count, and stock a drug shipment

  • Observe or ask how the pharmacy handles shortages and damaged drugs



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