Final answer:
In a nursing home, apart from a consultant pharmacist, registered nurses or licensed practical nurses may be authorized to destroy controlled substances according to facility policy and regulations, ensuring safety and compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a nursing home setting, the disposal of controlled substances is a critical task reserved for individuals with specific authorization to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. While a consultant pharmacist may typically handle these duties, other personnel such as a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) could also be authorized to dispose of controlled substances provided they follow the facility's policies and federal/state regulations. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) outlines strict guidelines for the disposal of controlled substances in healthcare settings to prevent diversion and misuse, similar to how the hospital dealt with the healthcare worker's misuse of syringes. The destruction of controlled substances often requires witnesses and proper documentation to maintain a trail for accountability and legal purposes. In the case of the unfortunate incident where a healthcare worker was involved in drug diversion, disease transmission through improperly handled substances, as seen in patients contracting HIV, spotlights the risks associated with noncompliance and breaches in protocol.