Medication Disposal Log
Built into CareHub for DD-waiver providers, pre-formatted, signed, and audit-ready out of the box.
What is the Medication Disposal Log?
A Medication Disposal Log documents the disposal of unused, expired, or discontinued medications, particularly controlled substances, from a provider's medication storage. State DD-waiver programs and DEA regulations require providers to maintain disposal records that show what was disposed, when, by whom, witnessed by whom, and via what disposal method. For controlled substances, two-person disposal (with a witness) is typically required, and the log is a key audit artifact during any state survey or DEA inspection. CareHub's Medication Disposal Log is built into the MAR workflow so disposal events are documented at the point of action, not from memory weeks later.
When it's required
Whenever a medication is removed from circulation, discontinued by a physician, expired, individual discharged, or partially-used dose disposed. Required documentation varies by state and by drug schedule.
Who completes it
A licensed or certified medication-administering staff member, with a witness (typically required for controlled substances).
Agency applicability
- All DD-waiver programs requiring controlled substance documentation
Required fields
What goes on the Medication Disposal Log.
Medication name and strength
Brand and generic name, dosage form, strength.
Quantity disposed
Number of tablets, ml, etc.
Reason for disposal
Discontinued, expired, individual discharged, partial dose.
Disposal method
DEA-approved disposal site, drug take-back, or other approved method.
Date and time
When the disposal occurred.
Disposing staff
Name, credential, signature.
Witness
Required for controlled substances; second staff name and signature.
Individual
For medications belonging to a specific individual.
How CareHub handles the Medication Disposal Log
Built into the workflow, not bolted on.
Built into the MAR workflow, disposal logged at the point of action
Two-person witness signature for controlled substances built in
Controlled-substance count auto-reconciled with the MAR
Disposal log exportable as PDF for state surveys or DEA inspection
Linked to the individual's record and to the original prescription
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Medication Disposal Log.
How does CareHub handle controlled substance witness signatures?
CareHub requires two staff members to sign for any controlled-substance disposal. Both signatures are captured with timestamps and become part of the audit trail.
Can the disposal log be exported for a DEA inspection?
Yes. CareHub generates a PDF disposal log filtered by date range, individual, or drug schedule.
Does CareHub auto-reconcile controlled-substance counts?
Yes. The disposal log automatically updates the controlled-substance count for the affected medication, so daily counts stay accurate.
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