Medication management processes Overview of what is required Suggested approach Examples of evidence 4.10 Ensuring that medicines are distributed and stored securely, safely and in accordance with the directions, manufacturer’s legislation, jurisdictional orders and operational directives 4.10.1 Risks associated with secure storage and safe distribution of medicines are regularly reviewed The safe distribution and storage of medicines Identify any risks associated with the secure Completed risk assessment of system for should be addressed by your community health storage and safe distribution of medicines by distributing and storing medicines. your community health service. This could be documented medication management service’s Audit of compliance with policies, procedures done by: practices. and/or protocols for distribution and storage of reviewing the procedures and storage medicines. practices for medicines to identify areas of Audit of medicine storage areas, facilities and/or risks equipment, including electronic storage reviewing the organisation-wide risk and cabinets. incident registers ( and ) for incidents, Review of reports of incidents associated with adverse events and near misses or areas distribution and storage of medicines. where errors could occur A risk register in line with that includes actions auditing storage practices and areas against to address identified risks. organisational policy on a scheduled basis auditing storage and distribution practices against legislative and jurisdictional requirements. Review security and levels of workforce access, and approval processes for access to medicines storage areas, facilities and/or equipment. 4.10.2 Action is taken to reduce the risks associated with storage and distribution of medicines Your community health service should: Share information about the risks associated Policies, procedures and/or protocols for safe with the distribution and storage of medicines distribution and storage of medicines. put systems in place to reduce the risks with the committee responsible for medication identified from Relevant documentation from committees and management and the workforce. other meetings where the risks identified with monitor the outcome and effectiveness of Identify and implement risk reduction strategies. distribution and storage of medicines are actions taken. These could include: reviewed and discussed.
Medication management processes Overview of what is required Suggested approach Examples of evidence 4.10 Ensuring that medicines are distributed and stored securely, safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, legislation, jurisdictional orders and operational directives 4.10.1 Risks associated with secure storage and safe distribution of medicines are regularly reviewed The safe distribution and storage of medicines should be addressed by your community health service’s documented medication management practices. Identify any risks associated with the secure storage and safe distribution of medicines by your community health service. This could be done by: reviewing the procedures and storage practices for medicines to identify areas of risks reviewing the organisation-wide risk and incident registers ( and ) for incidents, adverse events and near misses or areas where errors could occur auditing storage practices and areas against organisational policy on a scheduled basis auditing storage and distribution practices against legislative and jurisdictional requirements. Review security and levels of workforce access, and approval processes for access to medicines storage areas, facilities and/or equipment. Completed risk assessment of system for distributing and storing medicines. Audit of compliance with policies, procedures and/or protocols for distribution and storage of medicines. Audit of medicine storage areas, facilities and/or equipment, including electronic storage cabinets. Review of reports of incidents associated with distribution and storage of medicines. A risk register in line with that includes actions to address identified risks. 4.10.2 Action is taken to reduce the risks associated with storage and distribution of medicines Your community health service should: put systems in place to reduce the risks identified from monitor the outcome and effectiveness of actions taken. Share information about the risks associated with the distribution and storage of medicines with the committee responsible for medication management and the workforce. Identify and implement risk reduction strategies. These could include: Policies, procedures and/or protocols for safe distribution and storage of medicines. Relevant documentation from committees and other meetings where the risks identified with distribution and storage of medicines are reviewed and discussed.