4.1. Documenting-Requirements-for-Dispensing-Labeling-and-Issuing-Prescribed-Drugs 23 Aug.pdf

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Understand the legal and ethical requirements for dispensing prescribed drugs.
Accurately document the dispensing process, including labeling and issuing.
Comply with South African regulations regarding the handling of prescribed medications.

1. Documenting
Requirements for
Dispensing, Labeling,
and Issuing Prescribed
Drugs
This lesson will cover the key considerations and best practices for accurately
documenting the requirements for dispensing, labeling, and issuing prescribed
drugs in a healthcare setting.
by chantal settley

2. Objectives
•By the end of this lesson, students will be
able to:
–Understand the legal and ethical requirements for dispensing
prescribed drugs.
–Accurately document the dispensing process, including labeling
and issuing.
–Comply with South African regulations regarding the handling of
prescribed medications.

3. Revise definitions and importance:
•Define "dispensing" in the context of nursing and pharmacology.
•Discuss the importance of accurate dispensing in ensuring patient
safety and legal compliance.
•Regulatory Framework: Overview of South African laws and
regulations governing the dispensing of medications (e.g., Medicines
and Related Substances Act).
•Role of the South African Nursing Council (SANC) in setting standards.
•Ethical Considerations: Confidentiality and patient privacy.
•Informed consent in medication administration.

4. Requirements for Dispensing Drugs
•a. Prescription Verification:
•Ensuring the prescription is valid, clear, and complete.
•Confirming the prescriber’s credentials.
•Checking for potential drug interactions and contraindications.
•b. Patient Assessment:
•Verifying patient identity.
•Reviewing patient history for allergies or previous adverse reactions.
•c. Calculating Dosage:
•Accurate calculation of dosage based on patient age, weight, and
clinical condition.
•Double-checking calculations with a colleague (where possible).

5. Labeling Requirements
•a. Mandatory Information on Labels:
•Patient’s full name and identification number.
•Name and strength of the drug.
•Dosage instructions (including frequency, route of administration).
•Quantity of medication dispensed.
•Expiry date of the medication.
•Name and contact details of the dispensing nurse or pharmacist.
•Any special instructions (e.g., “Take with food,” “Keep refrigerated”).
•b. Labeling Process:
•How to create and affix labels securely.
•Ensuring legibility and accuracy.
•Avoiding common errors in labeling.
•c. Legal Requirements:
•Compliance with South African legislation regarding labeling.
•Handling patient queries about labeled instructions.

6. Importance of Accurate
Documentation
1
Patient Safety
Proper documentation
helps prevent medication
errors and ensures
patients receive the right
drugs and dosages.
2
Legal Compliance
Detailed records
demonstrate adherence to
regulations and protect
healthcare providers
legally.
3
Continuity of Care
Clear documentation
allows other providers to
understand a patient's
treatment history and
make informed decisions.
4
Quality Improvement
Data from documentation
can identify areas for
process improvements in
medication management.

7. Dispensing Prescribed Drugs: Key Considerations
Patient Information
Verify the patient's identity,
allergies, and medical history
before dispensing any drugs.
Medication Details
Carefully check the drug name,
dosage, route, and any special
instructions.
Workflow Protocols
Follow established procedures for
safely retrieving, preparing, and
handing off medications.

8. Labeling Requirements for
Prescribed Drugs
Patient Name
The patient's full name
must be clearly printed on
the label.
Medication Details
Include the drug name,
strength, dosage form, and
instructions for use.
Provider Information
List the prescribing
healthcare provider's name
and contact details.
Expiration Date
Ensure the medication's
expiration date is visible on
the label.

9. Issuing Prescribed Drugs:
Protocols and Procedures
Patient Verification
Confirm the patient's identity before handing over the
medication.
Counseling
Provide the patient with instructions on how to take the drug
properly.
Documentation
Record the date, time, and details of the drug issued.

10. Record-Keeping for Dispensing
and Issuing Drugs
1
Inventory Management
Maintain detailed records of drug stocks, including quantities
received, dispensed, and remaining.
2
Prescription Tracking
Document all prescriptions filled, including patient information and
medication details.
3
Reporting and Auditing
Regularly review records to identify any discrepancies or potential
issues.

11. Handling Controlled Substances:
Special Precautions
Secure Storage
Store controlled drugs in a locked
cabinet or safe to prevent
unauthorized access.
Detailed Logs
Keep meticulous records of all
controlled substances received,
dispensed, and destroyed.
Frequent Audits
Regularly audit controlled substance
inventories to quickly identify any
discrepancies.
Strict Protocols
Implement robust procedures for the
handling, transportation, and disposal
of controlled drugs.

12. Addressing Medication Errors and Discrepancies
Identification
Establish clear processes for
reporting, investigating, and
documenting any medication errors
or discrepancies.
Root Cause Analysis
Thoroughly analyze the factors that
contributed to the issue to prevent
recurrence.
Corrective Actions
Implement appropriate
interventions, such as staff training
or system improvements, to
address the root causes.

13. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities
in Drug Dispensing
1
Patient Confidentiality
Strictly protect patients'
personal and medical
information when dispensing
and documenting medications.
2
Informed Consent
Ensure patients understand the
risks, benefits, and proper use
of their prescribed drugs.
3
Regulatory Compliance
Adhere to all relevant laws and
regulations governing the
dispensing and record-keeping
of medications.
4
Ethical Decision-Making
Address any ethical dilemmas
that arise with professionalism
and a patient-centered
approach.

14. Summary and Key Takeaways
Accurate Documentation Ensures patient safety, legal
compliance, and quality improvement
Dispensing Protocols Verify patient information, check
medication details, and follow workflow
procedures
Labeling Requirements Include patient name, medication
details, provider information, and
expiration date
Issuing Procedures Confirm patient identity, provide
counseling, and document the drug
issuance
Controlled Substances Implement secure storage, detailed
logs, frequent audits, and strict
protocols