What must be done with medications brought into a facility by patients?

In healthcare facilities, medications brought in by patients can pose various safety and regulatory challenges. The practice of only dispensing these medications by a prescription order is crucial for ensuring the safe and appropriate use of drugs. This approach underscores the importance of proper medication management and oversight in a healthcare setting.

When medications are brought in by patients, they may not be verified for safety, efficacy, dosing, or potential drug interactions. Dispensing them through a prescription order allows the healthcare team to review the patient's medication history, confirm that the medications are appropriate for the patient's current health situation, and ensure that they are stored and administered correctly. This process aligns with legal requirements and reflects the standards of care in pharmacy practice, emphasizing patient safety and quality assurance.

Allowing unrestricted access to these medications or storing them indefinitely would not only violate regulations but could also endanger patients' health. Medications must be managed consistently within the scope of a healthcare provider's authority, reinforcing the necessity of prescription orders for proper medication use in a facility.