How ASCs can prepare for USP compliance — 5 tips from an expert

USP<800> standards for handling dangerous medications safely are scheduled to go into effect Dec. 1.

The USP<800> requires ASCs and other healthcare organizations to be compliant with a number of medication handling standards such as receiving, transport, storage, dispensing, disposal and patient care.

Brian Williams, director of compliance and regulatory affairs at MedTrainer, shared tips with Becker's ASC Review about how to prepare for the standards

Five things to know:

1. Review the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health list of hazardous drugs. ASCs should create an updated medication inventory, and review each drug in the form it is used to identify any of the drugs on the NIOSH Hazardous drug list.

2. Appoint a leader. A member of ASC staff should be familiar with the standards to help ensure the ASC is prepared and compliant.

3. Complete a risk assessment. ASCs should document hazardous drugs and their dosages, the staff who handle them and how they move through the ASC to identify if an Assessment of Risk or the full USP <800> chapter applies to the ASC, including updating procedures, PPE requirements and equipment.

4. Adopt digital tools. The <800> HazRx Mobile App from USP includes a portable reference guide for hazardous drugs. MedTrainer has a USP <800> toolkit that assists ASCs in documenting compliance, establishing and distributing SOPs, training, access to SDSs, and reference guides. There are many online resources so look for the ones that meet all of your requirements so USP <800> can be managed through a single portal.

5. Use online training resources. ASC staff can use online tools to prepare for the new standards and how USP <800> applies to their work duties. Training and competency review is required on an annual basis, so online training provides convenience, tracking and reporting.

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