Can a Ward Clerk check in controlled Medications in a LTCF?

I need to know if there is some kind of regulation in checking in Controlled Medications. When the medications arrive in the locked red tote from the Pharmacy that supplies this Long Term Care Facility, can a Ward Clerk check in the medication from the transporter or should the red tote only be opened by a License personell LPN/RN. Can a medication tech receive controlled drugs if not a Assisted Living Facility. And if it is a Assisted Living Facility they can receive Controlled Medications!

Gosh! I am a new DON for a LTCF and I never realized all the Regulations and things that can occur in a Long Term Care Facility, being a Hospital Nurse for 30 years, I have met a interesting field of Nursing.

If anyone would like to share some resource books so I can read and become more SAVY in all these regulations let me know ASAP!

Thanks

So, how is it all going for you? I have only worked in LTC for about 4 months, after many in a hospital - an opening has come up in another facility for a DON, and I'd like to apply, but am not sure I have enough experience.

I am always surprised when I hear about hospital nurses, or even brand new nurses, walking into a DON position in long-term care. I have many years of both hospital and long-term care bedside and management experience, have considerable expertise in Medicare, know the LTC regulations well, am certified in gerontology, and have continued to be told by more than one facility that I would need to be at least an ADON for two years before being considered for a director position. I'm now at the point where I'm back in acute care and no longer interested in LTC.