What must the pharmacy maintain regarding hazardous drugs?

The requirement for a pharmacy to maintain a complete list of all hazardous drugs stocked is rooted in safety, regulatory compliance, and the need for proper management of these medications. Hazardous drugs are those that can pose a risk to healthcare workers, patients, and the environment due to their toxicity. By maintaining a complete inventory, pharmacies ensure that staff are aware of the specific medications that require special handling and storage.

A comprehensive list serves several critical purposes: it helps in adhering to safety protocols, facilitates training for personnel on safe handling practices, ensures compliance with regulations set forth by organizations such as OSHA and the EPA, and aids in monitoring the inventory for proper disposal and management of these drugs. This comprehensive approach minimizes the risk of exposure and ensures that the pharmacy operates within the law while maintaining a safe environment for both employees and patients.

In contrast, maintaining just a record of newly stocked hazardous drugs, having no list at all, or only updating a list every five years would not provide the necessary oversight and could lead to increased risk of exposure and non-compliance with regulatory requirements. Through diligent record-keeping, a pharmacy demonstrates its commitment to safety and adherence to best practices in managing hazardous drugs.