Pan-Canadian Diversion Risk Assessment Tool Glossary

Automated Dispensing Cabinet (ADC): Decentralized medication distribution systems that provide computer-controlled storage, dispensing and tracking of medications. ADC functionality may vary depending on the manufacturer, and how hospitals have chosen to configure and integrate them with electronic health information systems.

ADC Override: ADC overrides are a configurable feature that require verification by a role designated by the hospital (typically a pharmacist) before medications can be withdrawn. Overrides may be permitted as per hospital policy (e.g., hospital may allow overrides for first doses of Controlled Substances to prevent delays), or when the pharmacy is closed.

Blind count: A physical inventory taken by personnel who perform a hands-on count of inventory without access to the quantities currently shown on electronic or other inventory systems. Blind counts are used to assess the integrity of the automated inventory systems.

Controlled Substance: Any drug or substance found in the Schedules to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or designated as a Controlled Substance by hospitals (e.g., propofol, zopiclone).

Perpetual inventory: A perpetual inventory of the Controlled Substances vault refers to a process of tracking the quantities of all Controlled Substance products in the vault at any given time and is verified on a regular basis. The perpetual inventory will be updated anytime Controlled Substances are added or taken from the vault.