Page 235 - Compliance Workbook June

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Policy & Procedure
Medication Storage

Issue Date: 02/01/2017 Revision Date(s):

Purpose:
To ensure that medications and biological are stored in a safe, secure storage and safe handling.

Procedure:

General Guidelines
1. Medications will be stored in the containers in which they are received. Transfer between
containers is performed only by the issuing pharmacy.
2. Drug containers having soiled, illegible, worn, makeshift, incomplete, damaged, or
missing labels will be returned to the pharmacy for proper labeling before storing.
3. No discontinued, outdated, or deteriorated medications should be available for use in the
facility. All such medications are destroyed per policy.
4. Expired medications are to be removed from areas medication carts prior to or at the time
of expiration.
5. Medications for external use should be clearly marked as such and are stored separately
from other medications.
6. Antiseptics, disinfectants, and germicides used in resident care will have legible,
distinctive labels that identify the contents and the directions for use.
7. Compartments containing medications should be locked when not in use. Trays or carts
used to transport such items should not be left unattended.
8. Medications will be stored in an orderly manner in cabinets, drawers or carts. Each
resident is assigned a cubicle or drawer to prevent the possibility of a drug for one
resident being given to another.
9. Medications requiring refrigeration should be stored in the refrigerator located in the
drug room at the nurses' station. Medications should be stored separately from food and
must be labeled. Refrigerator temperatures will be monitored by the licensed nurse every
day and recorded on the Refrigerator Temperature Log. Temperature of the refrigerator
shall be maintained between 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Medications may be held for no more than 30 days if a resident has been admitted to the
hospital with a return to the facility anticipated.
11. All controlled drugs are stored under double-lock and key.

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