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Medication use the focus of 2006 JCAHO goals

Pharmacy Regulation Resource, June 1, 2005

Labeling medications and changes to concentrated electrolyte, free-flow protection, and unapproved abbreviations requirements highlight the JCAHO's 2006 National Patient Safety Goals, which the commission released May 31.

All changes to the goals will be effective January 1, 2006.

A new requirement under Goal #3, improving the safety of using medications, requires staff to label all medications, medication containers, and other solutions used in the perioperative setting.

The JCAHO also retired two goals. The requirement to remove concentrated electrolytes from patient-care units will move into the standards, and compliance with ensuring free-flow protection on all general-use and patient-controlled analgesia pumps exceeded 99%, allowing the goal to be retired, the JCAHO said.

The JCAHO also deleted the requirement that hospitals choose an additional three unapproved abbreviations in addition to the nine already required. According to data from the JCAHO, 27% of hospitals have been cited for noncompliance during survey with this requirement.

For more information and to view the complete set of goals, visit www.jcaho.org/accredited+organizations/patient+safety/npsg.htm

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