Many facilities utilize Propofol as an intravenous anesthetic agent for procedural sedation, during moderate sedation (formerly known as monitored anesthesia care), or as an induction agent for general anesthesia. Even though Propofol currently does not fall under specific scheduling under the Controlled Substance Act, with the exception of the states of Alabama, Georgia, and North Dakota, the proposal to classify it as a Schedule IV drug highlights its significance and potential risks if not managed properly. Given its critical role in medical procedures and varying regulations by state, the handling of Propofol demands a high level of vigilance. Some states do require Propofol to be handled as a controlled substance (i.e. controlled substance inventory, verification of inventory by two (2) licensed members of the operating room team, record of receipt and disposition of all controlled substances, etc.); therefore, facilities should verify their state requirements for handling Propofol in an outpatient setting. All schedule II-IV substances should be meticulously tracked and recorded, a practice aimed at preventing misuse and promoting patient safety.
Facilities often adopt practices beyond the minimum requirements, such as secure storage and restricted access, to safeguard against any potential for abuse or diversion. This promotes the ethical and responsible handling of these substances, safeguarding against misuse and promoting patient safety. This proactive approach underscores the outpatient healthcare community's commitment to responsible drug management, prioritizing both the efficacy of treatments and the welfare of patients.Since 1980, QUAD A (a non-profit, physician-founded and led global accreditation organization) has worked with thousands of healthcare facilities to standardize and improve the quality of healthcare they provide – believing that patient safety should always come first.
