Manual:
Critical Access Hospital
Chapter:
Medication Management MM
Topic:
Medication Dispensing - Use of Auto-verification Technology
Would it be acceptable for an organization to establish a process where a select type of medications are auto-verified thus reducing the need for pharmacy review?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
No, it would not be acceptable to establish a blanket practice that select medications ordered are auto-verified. The Joint Commission requires that a pharmacist reviews all medication orders or prescriptions, with limited exceptions as described in the 'notes' at *MM.05.01.01 EP 1.
The requirement and 'notes' found at MM.05.01.01 EP 1 do allow for limited situations where prospective pharmacy review may not be feasible or required. For example, if waiting for pharmacy review would create a delay that could result in patient harm, prospective review would not be expected. However, organizations should have a process in place to review these scenarios to ensure such a practice is limited to urgent scenarios and not a standard practice for convenience.
Another example may be when a licensed practitioner (LP) controls the ordering, preparation, and administration of a medication, such as in an emergency department. In this example, use of auto-verification technology may be considered as the LP would be physically present.
*This does not apply to the discontinuation of orders.
No, it would not be acceptable to establish a blanket practice that select medications ordered are auto-verified. The Joint Commission requires that a pharmacist reviews all medication orders or prescriptions, with limited exceptions as described in the 'notes' at *MM.05.01.01 EP 1.
The requirement and 'notes' found at MM.05.01.01 EP 1 do allow for limited situations where prospective pharmacy review may not be feasible or required. For example, if waiting for pharmacy review would create a delay that could result in patient harm, prospective review would not be expected. However, organizations should have a process in place to review these scenarios to ensure such a practice is limited to urgent scenarios and not a standard practice for convenience.
Another example may be when a licensed practitioner (LP) controls the ordering, preparation, and administration of a medication, such as in an emergency department. In this example, use of auto-verification technology may be considered as the LP would be physically present.
*This does not apply to the discontinuation of orders.
Last updated on August 14, 2023
with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current
First Published Date: June 01, 2021
Last Reviewed Date: November 17, 2022