S.C. Code Regs. § 61-13.1200.1206 - Medication Storage (I)

A. Medications shall be stored and safeguarded in a locked medicine preparation room or locked cabinet at or near the staff work area to prevent access by unauthorized individuals. Medication carts utilized for storage shall be locked when not in use. Expired or discontinued medications shall not be stored with current medications. Storage areas shall not be located near sources of heat, humidity, or other hazards that may negatively impact medication effectiveness or shelf life.

B. Medications requiring refrigeration or freezing shall be stored in a refrigerator or freezer as appropriate at the temperature range established by the manufacturer used exclusively for that purpose in the medicine preparation room, or in a locked refrigerator used exclusively for medications. Food and drinks shall not be stored in the same refrigerator or freezer in which medications and biologicals are stored. Refrigerators and freezers shall be provided with a thermometer accurate to plus or minus two (2) degrees Fahrenheit.

C. Medications shall be stored:

1. Under proper conditions of sanitation, temperature, light, moisture, ventilation, segregation, safety, and security;

2. In accordance with manufacturer's directions and in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations;

3. Separately from poisonous substances, such as cleaning and germicidal agents, or body fluids;

4. In a manner that provides for separation between topical and oral medications, and which provides for separation of each client's medication; and

5. In medicine preparation rooms or cabinets that are well-lighted and of sufficient size to permit orderly storage and preparation of medications. Keys to the medicine preparation room, cabinet, refrigerator or medication cart at the staff work area shall be under the control of a designated licensed nurse.

D. Nonlegend medications that can be obtained without a prescription such as aspirin, milk of magnesia, and mineral oil, may be retained and shall be labeled as stock in the facility for administration as ordered by a physician or other legally authorized healthcare provider.

E. The medications prescribed for a client shall be protected from use by any other individuals. For those clients who have been authorized by a physician or other legally authorized healthcare provider to self-administer medications, such medications shall be stored in accordance with facility policies and procedures.

F. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications may be maintained at bedside upon physician orders if kept in an individual cabinet or compartment that is locked, such as the drawer of the client's night stand, in the room of each client who has been authorized in writing to self-administer by a physician or other legally authorized healthcare provider, in accordance with facility policies and procedures.

G. Medications listed in Schedule II of the Federal "Controlled Substances Act" shall be stored in separately locked, permanently affixed, compartments within a locked medicine preparation room, cabinet, or medication cart, unless otherwise authorized by a change in the state or federal law pertaining to the unit dose or multi-dose system.

Notes

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-13.1200.1206

Added by State Register Volume 40, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/27/2016.