A nurse witnesses another nurse diverting (stealing) controlled substances. What is the nurse's ethical and legal obligation?

A nurse who witnesses or suspects drug DIVERSION (theft of controlled substances) by a coworker has an ETHICAL and LEGAL obligation to REPORT it through proper channels (supervisor/manager, per facility policy; reporting to the board of nursing/authorities may be required). NCLEX safe care/legal-ethical. WHY: diversion endangers patients (who may not get their medication or receive contaminated drugs), and an impaired nurse is a safety risk; it's also illegal. The nurse should NOT ignore it (failure to report can have consequences), handle it only privately, or take the medications themselves. Reporting protects patients and may help the impaired colleague get treatment. Many states have mandatory reporting and confidential programs for impaired nurses. Knowing the obligation to report drug diversion is a tested NCLEX ethical/legal concept.