Northeast News

October 19, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri -An audit released on Wednesday, October 19 has recommended that the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department improve its safeguards related to the handling of controlled substances.

Specifically, the City Auditor’s Office recommended that staff working in ambulances and advanced life support pumpers should ensure that controlled substances are locked in vaults at all times while not in use, and that the drug vault access cards should be deactivated promptly after alterations in employment status.

The highlight sheet issued by the City Auditor's office on Wednesday, October 19 reveals the recommendations made to the KCFD in regards to their policies about safeguards for controlled substances.
The highlight sheet issued by the City Auditor’s office on Wednesday, October 19 reveals the recommendations made to the KCFD in regards to their policies about safeguards for controlled substances.

The audit further recommended that the Fire Department – which took over responsibility for emergency medical services in 2010 – improve tracking of expired drugs in part by performing an annual written inventory of all controlled substances. City Auditor Doug Jones noted that when his office conducted an inventory of the expired drugs, they found that the department records didn’t always match up with the physical inventory.

“We found more things in some cases and less things in one case regarding the expired drugs that were locked in storage,” said Jones. “There’s numerous reasons why those things could happen.”

According to the audit, the department could more easily deter potential theft by separating the ordering, pickup, and payment of drugs by department personnel. In addition, the audit recommended that the KCFD require signatures to establish chain of custody when boxes containing drugs are passed between paramedics and department delivery drivers, and that the department develops clear, written policies and procedures regarding the handling of controlled substances to help guide the actions of staff moving forward.

The audit noted that Fire Department management has agreed with all of the auditor’s recommendations. Jones added that the department was receptive during his office’s presentation on October 19.

“I have every confidence that they will implement the recommendations,” said Jones. “It was a really positive presentation today before Neighborhoods and Public Safety (Committee).”

A complete copy of the audit can be viewed at the city’s website.