Physical Security & Storage Best Practices

Strong physical security is the backbone of controlled substance protection. The DEA and state agencies expect veterinary practices to implement structural safeguards that restrict unauthorized access and deter theft or diversion.

Types of DEA-Compliant Storage

• Steel Lock Cabinets: Must be heavy-gauge and anchored to floors or walls. Acceptable for Schedule III–V with low diversion risk.
• Class V Safes: Often required for Schedule II drugs or large quantities. These safes offer 30+ minutes of burglary resistance and must meet GSA (General Services Administration) or DEA security specs.
• Vaults: In high-risk or multi-location facilities, DEA-compliant vaults with steel-reinforced walls and multiple locking mechanisms may be needed.

Best Practice: Use separate safes for Schedule II and III–V drugs to limit scope of loss in a breach and simplify audits.

Surveillance Setup

• Install cameras over all areas where controlled substances are stored, prepared, or administered.
• Footage should be:
  • Time-stamped and stored for 30–90 days
  • Positioned to capture full room and direct view of cabinet access
  • Protected from tampering (cloud backup or external hard drive)

Physical Barriers & Restricted Zones

• Lock and alarm exam rooms, surgery suites, and storage closets that may contain drugs during prep or treatment.
• Avoid leaving drugs unattended on carts or counters — especially injectable opioids or tranquilizers like ketamine.

Environmental Controls

• Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity for drug integrity.
• Use tamper-evident containers and locked refrigerators for items requiring cold storage (e.g., euthanasia solutions).