Bulk nonprescription drugs

A facility may maintain nonprescription drugs for dispensing on an as needed basis from a common or bulk supply as ordered or otherwise authorized by a physician currently licensed to practice medicine in this state [63:1-1950(B)] if all of the following are accomplished. (1) Policy of facility. The facility must have and follow a written policy and procedure to assure safety in dispensing and documentation of medications given to each resident. (2) Acquisition. The facility shall maintain records which document the name of the medication acquired, the acquisition date, the amount and the strength received for all medications maintained in bulk. (3) Dispensing. Only licensed nurses, physicians, pharmacists or medication aide technicians (MAT) may dispense these medications. (4) Storage. Bulk medications shall be stored in the medication area and not in resident rooms. (5) Records. The facility shall maintain records of all bulk medications which are dispensed on an individual signed medication administration record (MAR). (6) Labeling. The original labels shall be maintained on the container as it comes from the manufacturer or licensed repackager or on the unit-of-care (blister packs) package. (7) Package size. The maximum size of packaging shall be established by the facility in its policy and procedures and shall insure that each resident receives the correct dosage; provided however, that no liquid medication shall be acquired nor maintained in a container larger than 16 fluid ounces. (8) Allowed nonprescription drugs. Facilities may have drugs from each of the following categories for bulk dispensing. No other categories may be maintained as bulk medications. (A) Oral analgesics. (B) Antacids. (C) Laxatives. SUBCHAPTER 15. RESIDENTS' FUNDS