Generally, who is the largest group of drug diverters?

• A. Nurses
• B. Pharmacists
• C. Medical doctors
• D. Administrative staff

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that diversion tends to be tied to who has the most access and control over controlled substances. Physicians usually represent the largest group because they hold prescriptive authority across departments and interact with the medication-use system in broad ways. This authority lets them influence what is prescribed, approved, and dispensed, creating more opportunities to divert than other staff who handle meds in more limited, patient-care or dispensing roles. While nurses and pharmacists clearly handle large quantities of medications and are frequently involved in diversion in various settings, the sheer scope of a physician’s access—across patients, shifts, and departments—often leads to a higher incidence in overall data. Administrative staff typically have less direct contact with controlled substances, which lowers their diversion opportunities.