Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals

What do Joint Commission surveyors really look for when assessing your diversion prevention program ? In this episode of Rxpert Solutions , I’m joined by Marianne Sevcik, RN, MSN , of Partnership Consulting International LLC , and Meggan McGraw, MSN, CNS, RNC — both former surveyors for The Joint Commission — to share insider insights from years of conducting hospital and compliance surveys. We ex...

In this Diversion Insights Quick Take from Rxpert Solutions , we spotlight an overlooked but critical issue in automated dispensing machine (ADM) monitoring — cancelled and null transactions . These entries may look harmless in your system reports, but they can be powerful indicators of potential diversion , medication tampering , or substitution schemes . In this short episode, you’ll learn: Why...

When does “poor practice” cross the line into suspicious activity that requires a formal investigation ? In this episode of Rxpert Solutions , returning guest Denise Bruscino shares her expertise on one of the most critical decision points in diversion prevention programs: knowing when to act. We discuss: - Why dismissing red flags as simple mistakes can allow diversion to continue unchecked - How...

What does medication security look like in the high-stakes environment of the operating room? In this episode of Rxpert Solutions , anesthesiologist Dr. Max Feinstein offers a unique perspective we rarely hear—how controlled substance management and diversion prevention actually play out during surgery. Together, we explore: - The realities of chain of custody in the OR- How pharmacy policies tran...

Propofol—nicknamed “milk of amnesia” —isn’t a controlled substance, but it poses real addiction and diversion risks . With large bottle sizes and limited storage options, hospitals face major challenges in keeping this medication secure. In this episode of Rxpert Solutions , I’m joined by Marianne Sevcik , a nurse with extensive Joint Commission experience and now a compliance consultant. Together...

How can storytelling create healing and connection for nurses in recovery? In this episode of Rxpert Solutions , we welcome: Kristin Waite-Labott, BSN, RN, CARN, CPRC – Founder & President of WisPAN (Wisconsin Peer Alliances for Nurses) Jenny Klug, MN, RN – Vice President & Director of Social Media, WisPAN Together, they announce the launch of the Healing Tapestry Podcast , a safe space wh...

We don’t usually take time on this podcast to talk about our own company , but after getting so many questions about what Rxpert Solutions actually does, it’s time for a dedicated episode. In this Quick Take , I walk through our four core services : Drug Diversion Risk Assessments – identifying vulnerabilities before they escalate Drug Diversion Monitoring as a Service (DMaaS) – our unique outsour...

How can a suspected diversion case become the spark for lasting innovation? In this episode of Rxpert Solutions , three healthcare leaders from a DC metro hospital share how they built a robust diversion program that goes beyond policies and procedures. Guests: Jen Raynor – Director of Pharmacy Jeri Yeman – Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance Manager & Medication Safety Officer Jason R...

In this Quick Takes episode from Rxpert Solutions , we explore an often-overlooked question: Is it legally safe for healthcare professionals to share their recovery stories? After a healthcare professional in long-term recovery declined to be a guest due to fears of legal repercussions—despite completing their state’s recovery process years ago—we take a closer look at the legal landscape of publi...

In this Quick Take, I'm addressing a concerning trend I'm seeing across healthcare facilities - the practice of concluding diversion investigations based solely on software analytics and audit data, without ever speaking to the healthcare professional involved. Too many facilities are looking at their monitoring reports, conducting deep-dive audits of documentation and waste records, and t...

Welcome back to the show. Today we're diving into a critical but often overlooked aspect of drug diversion investigations - the role of infection prevention. While most facilities focus on the regulatory and criminal justice aspects of diversion cases, there's a vital public health component that frequently gets pushed to the sidelines until it's too late. My guest today is Michelle Na...

In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked issue of medical record falsification and its serious implications for healthcare facilities, professionals, and patients. My guest, Tracy Hunt, shares her expertise on this complex topic, examining how falsified documentation intersects with medication diversion, insurance fraud, and legal accountability. Tracy explores the statutory definitions...

Welcome to today's episode where we explore the nuanced world of investigative interviewing in healthcare settings. My guest is Denise Bruscino, the Chief Diversion Officer at Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida. With a unique combination of nursing experience in inpatient settings and specialized training in behavioral analysis, Denise brings a rare perspective to healthcare investigations—hence...

Welcome to today's episode where we dive deep into one of the most critical yet often misunderstood areas of healthcare compliance: corresponding responsibility. I'm joined by Michael Staples, a healthcare regulatory compliance expert whose fascinating journey from law enforcement detective to compliance specialist gives him a unique perspective on this complex topic. n our conversation, M...

In this Diversion Insights Quick Take, I examine an intriguing comment I heard recently while discussing missing medications with a client. New nurse hires from across the country consistently express surprise at how seriously this facility takes controlled substance management compared to their previous workplaces. Join me for this 5-minute discussion about what this reveals about the inconsisten...

In today's podcast, I'm discussing a significant development in the healthcare compliance technology sector. Bluesight's recent acquisition of Protenus has created waves of concern among Protenus customers who now face an unexpected transition. While many were satisfied with their Protenus diversion software solutions, they're now being required to switch to Bluesight's platfor...

In this episode, I speak with Tara Sundem, Co-founder of Hushabye Nursery, about their innovative approach to caring for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Tara shares how Hushabye's specialized environment differs from traditional NICU settings, creating better outcomes for both babies and families experiencing the challenges of substance use disorders. We discuss their holistic, fami...

Our guests: "Les Louden, PharmD, MS, Pharmacy Manager St. Joseph's Hospital BayCare Health System, and John B. Hertig, PharmD, MS, CPPS, FASHP, FFIP Founder, Hertig Healthcare Advising, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Purdue University. In this episode, I welcome back Dr. John Hertig along with first-time guest Les Louden from BayCare Health System to discuss their groundbreaking research on...

Our guest: Hossam Gamal, PharmD, BCPS, MBAWelcome to Drug Diversion Insights. In today's episode, we're diving into a critical conversation about hospital drug diversion programs and the evolving landscape of regulatory oversight. I'm joined by Dr. Hossam Gamal, an experienced Pharmacy Director who brings valuable insights into how surveyors are increasingly scrutinizing diversion miti...

Welcome to today's episode focused on healthcare technology and diversion monitoring. Our guest is Lauren Forni, Senior Director of Clinical Strategy at Bluesight, a company making significant moves in the healthcare technology space through strategic acquisitions, including their recent purchase of Protenus. In this episode, we explore Bluesight's expansion strategy, the future of their C...

In today's episode, we explore the evolving landscape of buprenorphine prescribing through telemedicine with Dr. Stuart Gitlow, a distinguished expert in addiction medicine. Dr. Gitlow returns to discuss the Biden administration's new ruling that enables providers to prescribe buprenorphine via telehealth, including audio-only visits, without requiring initial in-person evaluation. Buildin...

In today's episode we explore crtical issues in healthcare compliance and regulation. Join me in a fascinating conversation with Attorney Ronald Chapman II, a distinguished healthcare law specialist whose work I first discovered through his thought-provoking article 'Shielding Physicians: The Untold Story of Legal Preparedness.' Ron brings unique insights from his extensive experience...

Drug diversion monitoring in healthcare often focuses heavily on nursing units, but what about diversion within the pharmacy itself? In this episode, Heidi Bragg, Drug Diversion Specialist at Texas Children's Hospital, shares compelling cases and insights about pharmacy-based diversion. Drawing from her extensive pharmacy experience, Heidi discusses why we must 'mind our own store' and...

Drug diversion in healthcare settings is a challenge that crosses borders, affecting facilities worldwide. Today, we gain valuable insights into how our neighbors to the north approach this critical issue. Our guest is Neil Braun, currently serving as the Senior Director of Provincial Health Services Authority Allied Health Professional Practice. Neil previously served as the Drug Diversion Lead f...

Our guest: Stephen Loyd, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Cedar Recovery In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Loyd, whose journey from active addiction to recovery has become a beacon of hope in healthcare. Twenty years into his recovery, Dr. Loyd candidly shares his personal story of substance use disorder during his medical residency and the pivotal moment that led to his confessio...