Purpose Statement
The Reverse Event function in the Medications > Med Log allows authorized users to correct medication inventory activity by reversing specific transaction types.
Reversing an event preserves the original transaction while creating a documented reversal, ensuring accurate medication inventory, maintaining a complete audit trail, and supporting agency compliance requirements.
Background Information
Within the Medications > Med Log module, users record inventory-related events such as receiving, transferring, removing, documenting medication usage, completing counts, and recording reports.
Not every event type can be reversed.
The following event types can be reversed:
- Receive
- Transfer
- Remove
- Usage
The following event types cannot be reversed:
- Count
- Report
- Count Failed occurrences
Reversing an event does not delete or modify the original record. Instead, the system creates a documented reversal that records who performed the reversal and why it occurred, preserving the complete audit history.
Common reasons for reversing an event include:
- An incorrect quantity was entered.
- The wrong medication was selected.
- A transfer was logged to the wrong location.
- A usage event was entered in error.
- A removal was documented incorrectly.
Required Permissions
Users must have appropriate permissions within the Medications module to reverse events.
Recommended permissions include:
- Medications – View
- Medications – Edit
- Medications – Manage Med Log
- Permission to Reverse Medication Events
Important Note:
Agencies may restrict reversal capabilities to administrators, supervisors, or designated medication managers. Signature requirements for reversals are also determined by each agency's signature configuration. Review Medications: Comprehensive Permissions Guide to learn about all module permissions and common use cases.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Navigate to the Med Log
- From the main menu, select Medications.
- Select Med Log.
The events displayed depend on your selected view and any filters that have been applied.
2. Locate a Reversible Event
- Review the Med Log entries.
- Locate the Reverse button in the Actions column.
- If the Reverse button is available, the event is eligible for reversal.
Important Note:
Count, Report, Count Failed, and Custody Exchange events do not display the Reverse option because they cannot be reversed.
3. Review the Event Details
- Select Reverse.
- Verify that you have selected the correct event.
- Review the event information displayed in the confirmation window.
Depending on the event type, additional details may be shown, such as:
- User who performed the original event
- Date and time
- Incident date
- Incident location
- Primary incident type (Usage events)
- Removal reason (Removal events)
4. Enter the Reversal Reason
- Enter the reason for reversing the event.
- Select Sign.
5. Complete the Signature Process
Complete the required signature workflow.
The required authentication varies based on your agency's signature configuration and may include:
- One or more authorized users
- Electronic signatures
- PIN entry
- Secondary user approval (commonly required for controlled substances)
Warning:
Controlled substance reversals may require additional authentication, including multiple users, PIN verification, and additional signatures, depending on your agency's policies and configuration.
6. Confirm the Reversal
After all required signatures have been completed:
- The reversal is recorded.
- A red Reversed indicator appears next to the event date.
- The indicator identifies that the event has been reversed and who performed the reversal.
- The original event remains in the audit history.
7. View or Hide Reversed Events
To simplify the Med Log view:
- Use the Hide Reversed Events filter.
- Enable the filter to remove reversed events from the current list.
- Disable the filter to display them again.
8. Audit a Reversed Event
To review a reversed event:
- Select the View (Eye) icon next to the reversed event.
- Review:
- The original event details.
- The reversal information.
- The user who performed the reversal.
- The reason provided.
- Associated signatures and approvals.
Best Practices
- Verify the selected event before initiating a reversal.
- Provide a clear, detailed reason for every reversal.
- Reverse incorrect events as soon as they are identified to maintain accurate inventory.
- Understand your agency's signature requirements before reversing controlled substance events.
- Use saved views and filters to efficiently locate events.
- Periodically audit reversed events to ensure compliance with agency policies.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why don't I see the Reverse button?
The event may not be eligible for reversal. Only Receive, Transfer, Remove, and Usage events can be reversed. You may also be missing the required permissions.
Why does the signature process look different than the training video?
The signature workflow is determined by your agency's signature configuration. Depending on your settings, you may be required to enter a PIN, provide an electronic signature, obtain approval from additional users, or complete a combination of these steps.
Can I reverse Count, Report, or Count Failed events?
No. These event types cannot be reversed.
Does reversing an event delete the original record?
No. The original event remains in the Med Log. The system creates a separate reversal record to maintain a complete audit trail.
How can I identify reversed events?
Reversed events display a red Reversed indicator next to the event date identifying that the event has been reversed and by whom.
Can I hide reversed events from the Med Log?
Yes. Use the Hide Reversed Events filter to temporarily remove reversed events from the current view.
How do I audit a reversed event?
Select the View (Eye) icon for the reversed event to review the original event, reversal details, reason for reversal, and all associated signatures.