High-Alert Medication Dispensing Checklist

Comprehensive high-alert medication dispensing verification including independent double-check and calculation verification for medications with high potential for patient harm.

  • Industry: Healthcare
  • Frequency: Every high-alert med
  • Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Role: Pharmacist
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: ISMP High-Alert Medications, Joint Commission NPSG, Hospital Policy

Order Verification

Prescription verification

  • Order complete and legible?
  • Indication appropriate?
  • Dose appropriate for patient?
  • Allergies checked?
  • Drug interactions checked?

Calculation Verification

Dose calculations

  • Weight current?
  • Dose calculation verified?
  • Concentration verified?

Independent Double-Check

Second pharmacist verification

  • Second pharmacist independently verified?
  • Drug name verified?
  • Dose verified?
  • Route verified?

Pre-Assessment Information

Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification

  • Assessor Name / Credentials
  • Assessment Date
  • Department / Unit
  • Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
  • Previous assessment findings reviewed?

Infection Prevention & Control

Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards

  • Hand hygiene compliance observed?
  • Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
  • Isolation precautions properly implemented?
  • Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
  • High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?

Patient Safety & Identification

Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures

  • Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
  • Fall risk assessment completed?
  • Call light within patient reach?
  • Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?

Medication Safety & Management

Verify medication handling and administration practices

  • Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
  • Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
  • No expired medications in stock?
  • High-alert medications properly labeled?

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Why Use This High-Alert Medication Dispensing Checklist?

This high-alert medication dispensing checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for pharmacist professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: every high-alert med.

Ensures compliance with ISMP High-Alert Medications, Joint Commission NPSG, Hospital Policy. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the High-Alert Medication Dispensing Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 7 sections: Order Verification, Calculation Verification, Independent Double-Check, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed every high-alert med. Each completion takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Who should use this High-Alert Medication Dispensing Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Pharmacist professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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