Drug Procedures and Protocols
Sharon Kennedy
Grand Canyon University

Drug Procedures and Protocols
Medication Storage

All oral medications (controlled and uncontrolled) are to be housed in the pharmacy area. Controlled oral and topical medications are to be housed in a double locked cabinet. Only physicians and one other designated licensed professional per shift may possess keys. Controlled injectable medications will be kept in a safe near the oral controlled medication cabinet. The code to the safe will be changed weekly and will only be given to physicians and one other designated licensed professional per shift. Uncontrolled injectable medications will be stored in a separate cabinet away from oral medications to prevent confusion.

Medication Dispensing and Administration

Medications may be administered following the written or verbal authorization of a physician. All medication administration must be clearly documented in the patients’ medical record to include: name of medication, dosage and form (i.e. 100mg Sucralfate suspension), route of administration, date and time of administration. If the medication was administered via verbal authorization you must also document the authorizing physician. Controlled medications must also be recorded in the Controlled Substance Log. Each controlled medication has its own log sheet on which you must record: the date, patient’s name, amount of medication withdrawn, balance of medication remaining, and your signature.
Medications may only be dispensed with a physician’s written prescription. The patient must have a current relationship with the physician. The medication must be dispensed in a child proof container and appropriately labeled. The label must include: the prescribing physicians name, patients name, date, expiration date of medication, medication name, dosage, and signalment.