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Victoria Fire/Rescue says federal traceability rule forces overhaul of EMS drug supply
Summary
Fire Department leaders told the council a federal traceability rule under the Drug Quality and Security Act requires EMS medications to be tracked until used, forcing the town to buy and store expensive drug inventories and obtain new licenses; the department said it has a temporary supplier agreement and must adopt a policy by Nov. 2, 2024.
Fire Chief Frankie Tanner and Assistant Chief Chris Garrett told the Town Council on Oct. 8 that a federal traceability requirement tied to the Drug Quality and Security Act will change how Victoria Fire/Rescue stocks emergency medications.
Assistant Chief Chris Garrett said the department can no longer trade stocked drug boxes with hospitals and must instead buy, secure and inventory medications until they are administered. “There is approximately $25,000 to $30,000 of medication in one drug box,” Garrett said, noting the department needs licenses to purchase certain controlled drugs and must implement a policy by Nov. 2, 2024.
The change affects controlled (Class 2 and Class 5) narcotics and requires 24-hour storage and surveillance. Garrett said the department has sought DEA inspection and is negotiating temporary arrangements with local pharmacies and distributors — Smith Pharmacy and Cardinal Drug (which holds a contract with Lunenburg Medical Center) — plus an online EMS distributor to bridge the gap until regulatory approvals are finalized.
Mayor Allen D. Smith and Councilmembers did not object to the department seeking those arrangements. Chief Tanner also reported staffing impacts: three members who work for VDOT were being deployed to southwest Virginia for Hurricane Helene cleanup for a period expected to be “ten days to possibly one month,” and another member was being deployed with a swift-water rescue team to Florida.
Why it matters: The town’s volunteer and career EMS systems will face new upfront costs and administrative duties to maintain traceable drug inventories. Assistant Chief Garrett framed the change as an unfunded federal compliance requirement that could increase local operating costs unless reimbursement pathways or partnerships are secured.
What’s next: The council accepted the Fire/Rescue report. Town staff said they will continue working with pharmacies, await DEA inspection, and present any required policy language to the council before the Nov. 2 deadline.
