N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43-10.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 8:43-10.3 - Storage of medications

(a) The facility shall provide a medication storage area of sufficient size for the storage of all medications of residents, and shall assure that:

1. The storage area shall be conveniently located and adequately lighted;

2. The storage area shall be kept locked when not in use;

3. The storage area shall be used only for storage of medications and medical supplies;

4. The key to the storage area shall be kept on the person on duty responsible for resident supervision; and

5. Each resident's medications shall be kept separated in the storage area, with the exception of large volume medications which may be labeled and stored together in the storage area.

(b) If a resident is authorized through a written physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant order, to store medications in such resident's room, the facility shall provide a secure locked area for storage of such medications which complies with the requirements for medication storage areas stated in (a)1 and 2 above. Exceptions for emergency medications to remain unlocked in the resident's room may be made with the approval of the consultant pharmacist.

(c) Medications shall be stored in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

(d) Medications which require refrigeration shall be properly maintained. The refrigerator shall have a thermometer to indicate temperature in conformance with U.S.P. (United States Pharmacopoeia) requirements contained in the National Formulary USP26, NF21, January 1, 2003, published by the U.S. Pharmacopoeia Convention, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852-1790, incorporated herein by reference. If medications are stored in a refrigerator in common with food, medications shall be stored in a locked container.

(e) All medications shall be kept in their original containers and shall be properly labeled and identified.

1. The label of each resident's prescription medication container shall be permanently affixed and contain the resident's full name, the prescriber's name, prescription number, name and strength of medication, directions for use, date of issue, manufacturer's name if generic, and cautionary and/or accessory labels. If a generic substitute is used, the medication shall be labeled according to N.J.A.C. 8:70 and 24:6E-1 et seq. Required information appearing on individually packaged drugs or within an alternate medication delivery system need not be repeated on the label.

2. All over-the-counter (OTC) medications repackaged by the pharmacy shall be labeled with name and strength of the medication, date of issue, manufacturer's name if generic, and cautionary and/or accessory labels. Original manufacturer's containers shall be labeled with at least the resident's name, and the name label shall not obstruct any of the aforementioned information.

3. If a unit dose medication distribution system is used, each dose of medication shall be individually packaged in a hermetically sealed, tamper-proof container, and shall carry full manufacturer's disclosure information on each discrete dose. Disclosure information shall include, but not be limited to, the following: product name and strength, directions for use, and manufacturer's or distributor's name. ("Bingo" or punch card systems are not required to have each discrete dose labeled.)

(f) Single use and disposable items shall not be reused.

(g) Discontinued or expired medications shall be destroyed within 30 days or, where possible, returned to the pharmacy. All medication destruction in the facility shall be witnessed by two persons, each of whom shall be either the administrator, the licensed nurse or the consultant pharmacist.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43-10.3

Amended by 51 N.J.R. 1272(a), effective 8/5/2019