Accreditation

Greeley Reflections

Accreditation Connection, January 4, 2010

Simplifying medication storage

Part 3 of 4

Why do organizations continue to receive RFIs for medication storage? Usually it means that the “authorized” access component of the requirement has not been taken into consideration.For example, leaving drugs at the patient’s bedside in the ICU may be convenient for staff but when left unattended, they become unsupervised with unauthorized individuals having access to them.

Organizations may also fail to define who may have authorized access, resulting in frequent citations for this reason.

Don’t forget that CMS also requires an organization to address the prevention of unauthorized access to these locked areas. As a result, you should define what processes are in place to restrict unauthorized access.

Review current policies and procedures governing the security of drugs and biologicals for staff. Review current storage locations. Are these in areas with constant supervision with limited entry and exit and authorized access? Don’t underestimate the value of talking to staff, obtaining their input and observing daily practice in the patient care and procedural areas.

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