Final answer:
The statement is true; combination locks for controlled substance storage must be changed after an employee's termination to ensure security and patient safety, as exemplified by the incident involving a healthcare worker's misconduct resulting in patients contracting HIV.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the combination must be changed on a controlled substance storage lock after an employee is terminated is true. In healthcare settings, it is vital to maintain strict control over access to medications, especially controlled substances, to prevent misuse and potential harm to patients. In the provided clinical focus scenario involving a healthcare worker stealing and potentially contaminating syringes, the immediate change of the combination lock would be a critical step in securing the storage and preventing future incidents. Given that the former employee's actions led to patients testing positive for HIV, it is imperative that all security measures, including changing access codes and combinations, are rigorously followed whenever there is a staff change or breach in protocol to protect patient safety.