S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-91.1000.1006

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 61-91.1000.1006 - Medication Storage (I)

A. Medications shall be stored under proper conditions of sanitation, temperature, light, moisture, ventilation, segregation, safety and security. Medications shall be stored in accordance with manufacturer's directions and in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

B. Medications shall be properly stored and safeguarded to prevent access by unauthorized persons. Expired or discontinued medications shall not be stored with current medications. Storage areas shall be of sufficient size for clean and orderly storage, and shall be locked when not under direct observation by a licensed healthcare provider. Storage areas shall not be located near sources of heat, humidity, or other hazards that may negatively impact medication effectiveness or shelf-life.

C. Medications requiring refrigeration shall be stored in a refrigerator at the temperature established by the U. S. Pharmacopeia (36 - 46 degrees F.). Food and drinks shall not be stored in the same refrigerator in which medications and biologicals are stored. Blood and blood products may be stored in the same refrigerator with medications and biologicals if stored in a separate compartment from the medications and biologicals.

D. Medications shall be stored:

1. Separately from poisonous substances, blood, or body fluids;

2. In a manner that provides for separation between oral and topical medications;

3. Separately from food.

E. Records shall be maintained of all stock controlled substances that indicate an accounting of all items received and/or administered in such a manner that the disposition of each dose of any particular item may be readily traced. Records shall be maintained for a minimum of two years or until the next inspection by the Department, whichever is longer.

F. Review of medication storage areas shall be conducted by the consultant pharmacist or his or her designee on at least a monthly basis. Records of such reviews shall be retained by the facility for at least two years or until the Department's next inspection, whichever is longer.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-91.1000.1006

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