Final answer:
The shipping entity, often the central fill pharmacy or a carrier contracted by it, is responsible for reporting in-transit losses of controlled substances. They must follow DEA guidelines and take immediate action upon discovering a loss, which includes reporting to regulatory bodies and possibly notifying affected patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The responsibility for reporting "in-transit" losses of filled controlled substance prescriptions from a central fill pharmacy lies primarily with the entity shipping the medication, which can be either the central fill pharmacy itself or a contracted carrier. In the case of controlled substances, maintaining accurate records and prompt reporting of any discrepancies or losses is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under the Controlled Substances Act.
In a scenario where there is theft of controlled substances, as in the example provided of a healthcare worker stealing syringes and replacing them with unknown substances, it is crucial for the facility to take immediate action. This includes conducting a thorough investigation, reporting the incident to the proper law enforcement and regulatory bodies, and taking steps to ensure patient safety and prevent future occurrences. The healthcare facility should also assess the risk to patients and address potential harm, like the transmission of diseases as evidenced by the two patients contracting HIV.