18VAC110-20-570: Drugs in infirmaries or first-aid rooms

A. Prescription drugs purchased by an institution, agency, or business within the Commonwealth, having been purchased in the name of a practitioner licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and who is employed by an institution, agency, or business which does not hold a pharmacy permit, shall be used only for administering to those persons at that institution, agency, or business.

B. All prescription drugs shall be maintained and secured in a suitable locked storage area, the key to which will be in the possession of the practitioner or nurse who is under the direction and supervision of the practitioner.

C. Such institution, agency, or business shall adopt a specific protocol for the administration of prescription drugs, listing the inventory of such drugs maintained, and authorizing the administering of such drugs in the absence of a practitioner in an emergency situation when the timely prior verbal or written order of a prescriber is not possible. Administering of such drugs shall be followed by written orders.

1. For the purpose of this chapter, "emergency" means a circumstance requiring administration of prescription drugs necessary to preserve life or to prevent significant or permanent injury or disability.

2. The protocol shall be maintained for inspection and documentation purposes.