The Silent Threat: Diversion of Non-Controlled Substances in Healthcare | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy – July 25, 2025 Episode Summary: This week, we spotlight a growing but often overlooked threat to patient safety and healthcare integrity: the diversion of non-controlled substances. While most discussions around drug diversion focus on controlled substances, a troubling pattern has emerged involving medications not classified as controlled—yet still susceptible to misuse, theft, and exploitation. Our guest is Alan McGill, a Senior Supervisory Special Agent with over 30 years of investigative experience, including 23 years in law enforcement. Agent McGill is a nationally recognized expert on drug diversion, having trained thousands across healthcare and law enforcement. In this episode, he sheds light on how non-controlled substances are being diverted within healthcare settings, why it’s happening more frequently, and what pharmacies and healthcare systems must do to detect and prevent it. We explore: Common myths about non-controlled medications and diversion risk Real-world cases and investigative red flags Compliance blind spots in retail and institutional pharmacy settings Actionable recommendations for pharmacists, techs, and healthcare leadership The role of education, oversight, and reporting in stopping this silent epidemic Plus, Agent McGill discusses his work with NASCSA and offers insight into how national policy and local practices can align to protect both patients and professionals. Don’t miss this essential conversation for pharmacy leaders, compliance officers, and healthcare professionals committed to medication safety. 🎧 Listen now and stay informed. 📢 Brought to you by IPC and iCare+, supporting pharmacy excellence and compliance integrity.