If the delivery carton appears damaged upon arrival at a veterinary hospital, what should the ICM do?

When a delivery carton shows signs of damage upon arrival at a veterinary hospital, it is crucial for the Inventory Control Manager (ICM) to refuse to accept the shipment. This action is essential as it helps to ensure the safety and efficacy of the veterinary supplies. Accepting a damaged package could mean that the contents may have been compromised, which could pose serious risks to animal health if medications or supplies are damaged or contaminated.

By refusing the shipment, the ICM can initiate a process to protect the hospital from potential liabilities associated with using supplies that are not in optimal condition. This choice also allows for a clear course of action to file for a claim or to request a replacement from the supplier, ensuring that the hospital obtains safe, effective products. Proper protocols should always prioritize patient safety, and refusing potentially unsafe shipments aligns with those standards.