Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the recommendation in our initial audit report, New York City School-Based Health Centers: Security and Controls Over Medications and Related Supplies (Report 2013-S-34).

Background

Our initial audit, which was issued on January 8, 2015 determined whether New York City School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) have implemented proper controls over their medications and related supplies. We found that the sampled SBHCs did not follow Department of Health (DOH) inventory control regulations for medications and potentially hazardous medical supplies. Ten of the 11 SBHCs sampled had shortages in various medication categories (907 out of 2,298.25 units expected), with one school having an unexplained shortage of 2,712 hypodermic needles. The sampled SBHCs did not maintain proper inventory control over student-supplied medications, they did not record student medication transactions (e.g., medications received from or returned to the parent/guardian or student), nor did they document their contact with parents/guardians to notify them of expired medications or to arrange the return of medications at the end of the school year.

Key Finding

DOH has made progress in addressing the issues identified in our initial report. The prior recommendation has been partially implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up report to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this report.

Other Related Audit/Report of Interest

Department of Health: NYC School-Based Health Centers: Security and Controls Over Medications and Related Supplies (2013-S-34)