Has anyone had experienced a problem with Homecare nurses having heparin and or saline flushes in their "extra" supplies? I know that technically these are prescription items, and yet I know most if not all home infusion nurses have some extras on hand for those cases when it isn't there. Does anyone know how state boards or surveyors view this? I know the practicality of having extras, but am wondering about the strict interpretation of the law on "dispensing" since they are a legend item that has the RX by prescription only on the barrel of the syringe. Any thoughts or experiences anyone wants to share is appreciated.
Halle Utter, RN,BSN
The rules about this come from the individual state boards of pharmacy. Some states made changes to these rules in the early to mid 1990's allowing nurses to carry extra saline and heparin. So you will need to check with the board of pharmacy in your state. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861