Jeanne Henry: CMS standard 416.48(a) requires ASCs to prepare and administer drugs according to established policies and acceptable standards of practice. QUAD A surveyors site cite this standard deficient for a number of reasons, including finding expired medications, inappropriate storage, improper use of a medication or inappropriate preparation techniques. The process for medication preparation and administration can be error-prone. To improve medication safety, ASCs should assess their medication process using quality indicators related to the medication preparation and administration processes and outcomes of patient care.
We find that proper medication preparation is a key component to compliance with this standard. Adopting strict policies and providing ongoing personnel training help to safeguard the preparation processes. Preparing medications in an aseptic manner, using a new syringe and new sterile needle to draw up medications each and every time should be required.
