Which statement is true regarding drug diversion in healthcare settings?

The chosen statement accurately captures the essence of drug diversion in healthcare settings. Drug diversion refers specifically to the unauthorized use, theft, or misappropriation of prescription medications by healthcare professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, or physicians. This unethical practice can occur for various reasons, including personal substance abuse or financial gain, and it poses significant risks not only to the integrity of the medication supply chain but also to patient safety. When healthcare workers engage in drug diversion, they compromise the trust that patients place in healthcare systems and can lead to improper dosing, unavailability of essential medications for patients, and a host of legal and regulatory ramifications.

Context about the other options highlights their inaccuracy in relation to the definition of drug diversion. Improved medication management or safety of medication storage does not pertain to the concept of drug diversion; rather, these are goals of effective pharmacy practice. Additionally, no reputable healthcare facility would accept drug diversion as a practice, emphasizing the critical need for policies and safeguards to prevent and address such behaviors.