The hospital labels all medications, medication containers, and other solutions on and off th...

(1)

In perioperative and other procedural settings both on and off the sterile field, the hospital labels medications and solutions that are not immediately administered. This applies even if there is only one medication being used. Note: An immediately administered medication is one that an authorized staff member prepares or obtains, takes directly to a patient, and administers to that patient without any break in the process.

(2)

In perioperative and other procedural settings both on and off the sterile field, labeling occurs when any medication or solution is transferred from the original packaging to another container.

(3)

In perioperative and other procedural settings both on and off the sterile field, medication or solution labels include the following: - Medication or solution name - Strength - Amount of medication or solution containing medication (if not apparent from the container) - Diluent name and volume (if not apparent from the container) - Expiration date and time Note: The date and time are not necessary for short procedures, as defined by the hospital.

(4)

The hospital verifies all medication or solution labels both verbally and visually. Verification is done by two individuals qualified to participate in the procedure whenever the person preparing the medication or solution is not the person who will be administering it.

(5)

The hospital labels each medication or solution as soon as it is prepared, unless it is immediately administered. Note: An immediately administered medication is one that an authorized staff member prepares or obtains, takes directly to a patient, and administers to that patient without any break in the process.