Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 480 - RULES OF GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY
Chapter 480-17 - ISSUANCE OF INTRAVENOUS MAINTENANCE DRUGS TO REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSES EMPLOYED OR CONTRACTED BY A HOME HEALTH AGENCY
Rule 480-17-.03 - Issuance of Sterile Drug IV Maintenance Kits by an Issuing Pharmacy
Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 20, 2024
As set forth by this rule, pharmacies, hereafter known as Issuing Pharmacies, may issue sealed Sterile Drug IV Maintenance Kits (SDM Kits) to RNs who are employed or contracted by a HHA. The contents of such kits are strictly limited to the following IV maintenance drugs: sterile water, sterile saline, and diluted heparin. The manner of issuance of such SDM Kits is limited to procedures specified in written guidelines set forth by the Issuing Pharmacy and based on this rule. Pursuant to these guidelines, Home Health Agencies may authorize Registered Nurses employed or contracted by the Home Health Agency to carry and utilize such contingency kits for the purpose of IV maintenance for Home Health Agency patients. Nothing in this rule is to be interpreted to allow Home Health Agencies or registered professional nurses to independently possess dangerous drugs. Such SDM Kits and drugs contained therein, as described in this rule, will at all times be considered under the control of the Issuing Pharmacy described as follows:
(a) A written agreement, which has been signed by a pharmacist on behalf of the Issuing Pharmacy and by the medical director of the licensed Home Health Agency, will serve as a protocol, which establishes at a minimum, but not limited to: the contents of the kits and the manner in which sealed SDM kits will be issued, stored, handled, and restocked. Prior to any such agreement becoming effective, it must first be signed and dated by the medical director of the Home Health Agency and returned to the Issuing Pharmacy. This protocol will include at a minimum:
(b) An Issuing Pharmacy will develop written guidelines in which, at a minimum, it establishes procedures for:
(c) Any retail pharmacy may enter into a SDM kit agreement with one or more Home Health Agencies. The pharmacist in charge of such pharmacy will be directly responsible for drafting a protocol which meets the requirements of this rule, and for the manner in which these SDM Kits are utilized by a Home Health Agency and their authorized registered RNs.
O.C.G.A. Secs. 16-13-72(4.2), 26-4-27.