Idea Exchange: Key management of a controlled substances cabinet

The key to our controlled substances cabinet is locked inside a dial lock box. Realtors often use these key storage lock boxes, which are available at most hardware stores. We attach the lock box to the handle of a large filing cabinet in the doctors' office. Only personnel who are given the combination have access to the key. If we change hospital personnel or release the information to other staff members in an emergency (e.g. to access backup diazepam or phenobarbital), the combination can easily be changed. In addition, the weight of the combination part attached to the key helps remind the doctors when the key is in their pockets and prevents them from accidentally keeping it.

Dr. Eleanor Dunn

Oakland, Calif.