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.
Manual:
Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter:
Medication Management MM
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: November 17, 2022
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: June 01, 2021
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on August 14, 2023
with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current
Types of changes and an explanation of change type:
Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. |
Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. |
Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
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