Department of Pharmacy Policies & Procedures

Number: 5:24

Effective Date: October, 1987

Revisions: 4/93; 10/08

Approval:

Subject: LEAVE OF ABSENCE MEDICATIONS

A. POLICY

Some inpatients are allowed to go home for short periods of time. Small quantities of medication can be prepared for the patient to take home. The leave of absence (including specific times) and the medications sent with the patient must be covered by a written order from the patient's physician.

B. PROCEDURE

1. The physician will write an order allowing the patient to leave the hospital for a short home stay. In the order, he will indicate the drug(s) to be sent out with the patient.

2. The pharmacist will enter the specified medication in the outpatient pharmacy computer system.

3. The computer will print labels indicating the drug and quantity as well as directions for taking the medication.

4. All medications are filled and labeled.

5. If a controlled substance is requested, a label is prepared in the pharmacy and placed on an empty vial. The drug is signed out from the supply on the nursing station by the nurse and placed in the vial.

6. The drugs are sent to the nursing unit for the patient.

7. A special charge will be entered for all medications dispensed.