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Criterion 5.3.1 - Schedule 8 medicines

Our practice ensures that Schedule medicines are stored securely and are only accessed by authorised personnel.

Explanation

Although practices are likely to take security measures to prevent break-ins and theft, state and territory legislation generally requires that Schedule 8 medicines are stored in a locked cabinet or safe that is itself fixed to an immovable structure. All sensible security measures need to be taken to prevent unauthorised access to these medicines, and practices are encouraged to be familiar with their state or territory legislation regarding the storage of Schedule 8 medicines. Further, the use of Schedule 8 medicines must be correctly recorded in accordance with state and territory legislation and appropriate documentation is needed in relation to: the date of administration; details of patient; quantity of medicines coming in; quantity of medicines going out; quantity of medicines still held; comments about conditions prevailing (eg. breakages); and signature of person(s) entering the data and administrating the medicine.

Indicators

1. Schedule medicines stored in our practice are securely stored (direct observation).
2. The acquisition, storage, use, transfer and disposal of Schedule medicines in our practice is appropriately documented (document review).

Publication Date: 17 August 2005
Authorised By: Standards