S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-91.1000.1001

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

Section 61-91.1000.1001 - General (I)

A. Medications, including controlled substances, medical supplies, intravenous solutions, and those items necessary for the rendering of first aid shall be properly managed in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, to include the securing, storing, and administering of medications, medical supplies, first aid supplies, biologicals and their disposal when discontinued or expired, or at discharge, death, or transfer of a patient.

B. Non-legend medications that can be obtained without a prescription may be retained and labeled as stock in the facility for administration as ordered by a physician or other legally authorized healthcare provider.

C. If controlled substances are to be used, a controlled substances registration from the Department's Bureau of Drug Control and a controlled substance registration from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) shall be obtained. The registration(s) shall be displayed in a conspicuous location within the facility.

D. Each facility shall maintain, upon the advice and written approval of the Medical Director or consultant pharmacist, an emergency kit/cart of lifesaving medicines and equipment for the use of physicians or other legally authorized healthcare providers in treating the emergency needs of patients.

1. The kit/cart shall be sealed and stored in such a manner as to prevent unauthorized access and to ensure a proper environment for preservation of the medications within, but in such a manner as to allow immediate access.

2. The exterior of each emergency medication kit/cart shall have displayed the following information:

a. "For Emergency Use Only";

b. Name, address, and telephone number of the consultant pharmacist.

3. Whenever the kit/cart is opened, it shall be restocked and resealed within a reasonable time to prevent risk of harm to a patient.

4. Medications used from the kit/cart shall be replaced pursuant to orders from a physician or other legally authorized healthcare provider according to facility policy.

5. Contents of each section of the kit/cart shall be listed and maintained on or in the kit/cart, and shall correspond to the list. Documentation of monthly checks of expiration dates of medications and supplies is to be retained by the facility for a period of two years or until the Department's next inspection, whichever is longer.

E. Medications shall not be expired.

F. Applicable reference materials published within the previous year shall be available at the facility in order to provide staff members with adequate information concerning medications.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-91.1000.1001

Amended by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/26/2015; State Register Volume 48, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/28/2024.