The popularity of our most-read blog from 2021 - “From Our Customers: The Top 8 Questions To Expect In Joint Commission Inspections” - indicates that hospitals and healthcare systems continue to hustle to ensure all i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed before a visit from Joint Commission, accreditation or state board of pharmacy inspectors. 

The popularity of our most-read blog from 2021 - “From Our Customers: The Top 8 Questions To Expect In Joint Commission Inspections” - indicates that hospitals and healthcare systems continue to hustle to ensure all i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed before a visit from Joint Commission, accreditation or state board of pharmacy inspectors. 

Like many hospitals and healthcare systems, Duke University Hospital’s online formulary consisted of a spreadsheet housed on the intranet. The spreadsheet only listed medications that were considered formulary, and there was no information provided concerning associated restrictions, policies, or guidelines. This information was not readily available or easily retrievable for nurses and other staff members. 

Have you ever laid in bed at night and wondered “What will we do if our Designated Person leaves?” If this possibility hasn’t crossed your mind, it should. 

For Rpharmy’s state Department of Corrections (DOC) client, Formweb not only provides an online formulary solution that is easy to access and use, but also improves patient care by expanding communications about drugs in use to departments connected to but not directly part of the DOC. 

The updated revision of USP <797> will move out of the final comments phase on March 31, 2022, making it that much closer to final. Once USP <797> is final it will also trigger some portions of USP <800> to be enforceable by the Joint Commission and state boards of pharmacy. In fact, we’re already hearing that citations will be issued starting as soon as February 2022 with fines coming down in August 2022. Your pharmacy or healthcare facility must be ready.

As you are very aware the Epic electronic medical record system is making the transition from Hyperspace to Hyperdrive. Sorry (not sorry), but we have to say, “It will be Epic!” 

We’re not joking or overpromising. 

Assessment of Risk can be the biggest burden of USP <800> compliance. Once you’ve outlined your list of hazardous drugs and then determined which drugs will utilize alternative containment strategies and work practices, the work of gathering the AoR requirements begins.

As we embark on a new year, we looked back at our most-read blogs and this one rose to the top. We're reposting because word is that USP <800> guidelines will be enforced in inspections this year. Hopefully, this information helps as you prepare for inspections this year. Also, be sure to browse through our blog library for more informative content around USP <800>, hazardous drugs and formulary. 

A key way to protect healthcare workers is effective PPE, right? Seems simple enough except that USP <800> has outlined specific PPE requirements that vary depending on the NIOSH category of HD, how they are being handled, and in what part of the facility. 

It’s been another year of twists and turns, ups and downs, many lessons learned and deeper appreciations felt. We’ve watched our friends and clients in healthcare face challenge after exhausting challenge. With every obstacle, the healthcare industry continues to seek ways to care for the vulnerable and we are in awe.