OSE_1308_part3_Layout 1 8/8/13 11:10 AM Page 118
SAFETY
and after hours, for example), it wouldn't be considered secure. So
when is an OR considered to be not secure? The moment the last
licensed person walks out of the OR, it's no longer secure.
People who divert drugs are pretty clever at figuring out ways to get
around what you may think are very good drug security policies. Your
cart should be able to scan bar codes that confirm the proper drug
and proper dose. Some bar codes are more advanced, carrying lot
numbers and expiration dates, and ensuring the potency of your drug.
Discovering this type of activity requires having strong medication
safety and security systems in place. Enforce your witness waste program. You are the system's protector and defender. Don't just let
somebody sign in on the computer that he wasted a partial dose.
Witness him destroying the substance. Watch it go down the drain.
OSM
Mr. Kromis (leroy.kromis@lvhn.org) is the medication safety officer Lehigh
Valley Health Network in Allentown, Pa.
1 1 8
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | A U G U S T 2013