Section 450. After-hours access to the pharmacy

A. When authorized by the PIC, an authorized nurse may have access to a supply of drugs maintained by the pharmacy at a location outside the pharmacy in order to obtain emergency medication during hours the pharmacy is closed, provided that such drug is available in the manufacturer's original package or in units which have been prepared and labeled by a pharmacist and provided further that a separate record shall be made and left at the location of the stock of drugs on a form prescribed by the PIC and such records are maintained within the pharmacy for a period of one year showing:

1 The date of withdrawal;

2. The patient's name;

3. The name of the drug, strength, dosage form and dose prescribed;

4. Number of doses removed; and

5. The signature of the authorized nurse.

B. If the after-hours supply of drugs is in an area that is continuously open and staffed, such as a patient floor or emergency room, then the area does not need to be alarmed. If the after-hours supply is maintained in an area of the hospital that is not open and continuously staffed, such as a floor that primarily houses departments that are closed daily, then an alarm that meets the requirements of 18VAC110-20-180 shall be installed and activated at all times.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR530-01-1 § 10.3, eff. October 25, 1989; amended, Volume 09, Issue 04, eff. December 16, 1992; Volume 10, Issue 01, eff. November 4, 1993; Volume 11, Issue 21, eff. August 9, 1995; Volume 20, Issue 23, eff. August 25, 2004; Volume 25, Issue 24, eff. September 2, 2009.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 and Chapters 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.) and 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.