Section 246-872-030. What are the pharmacy's responsibilities?

Each facility using drug distribution devices must designate a registered pharmacist responsible for the oversight of the use of these devices. The responsibilities of this pharmacist are to ensure:

(1) Policies and procedures are in place for the safe use of patient medications that are removed from the devices, prior to pharmacist review of the prescriber's order.

(2) Conduct of quarterly audits of compliance with policies and procedures.

(3) Approval of the medication inventory to be stocked in the automated drug distribution devices.

(4) The checking and stocking of medications in the automated drug distribution devices is reserved to a pharmacist, pharmacy intern, or a pharmacy technician.

(a) A pharmacy technician checking the accuracy of medications to be refilled into automated drug distribution devices must have met the criteria for specialized functions in WAC 246-901-035 and have documentation of the training on file in the pharmacy.

(b) The board may approve electronic bar code checking, or other approved technology, in place of manual double-checking of the medications stocked in the automated drug distribution devices.

(5) Ensure the security of medications in automated drug distribution devices by:

(a) Limiting access to licensed health personnel consistent with the patient care services identified within their scope of practice;

(b) Using safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to the devices, including termination of access at the end of employment;

(c) Monitoring controlled substance usage and taking appropriate action as warranted; and

(d) Working in cooperation with nursing administration to maintain an ongoing medication discrepancy resolution and monitoring process.

(6) A process is in place for all staff using the automated drug distribution devices to receive adequate training.

(7) Pharmacist participation in the facility automated drug distribution devices system quality assurance and performance improvement program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.64.005. WSR 06-23-078, § 246-872-030, filed 11/13/06, effective 12/14/06.]

RCW 18.64.005. WSR 06-23-078, § 246-872-030, filed 11/13/06, effective 12/14/06.

Rules

246-901-035,