Medication Administration Safety Checklist
Follow the six rights of medication administration plus additional safety checks to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Every medication administration
- Estimated Time: 2-5 minutes
- Role: Nurse/Pharmacist
- Total Items: 50
- Compliance: Joint Commission NPSG.03.04.01, ISMP Guidelines, CMS CoP
Right Patient
Patient identification
- Two patient identifiers verified?
- Wristband matches medication label?
- Patient barcode scanned (if available)?
Right Medication
Medication verification
- Medication name verified against order?
- Medication barcode scanned?
- Look-alike/sound-alike verified?
- Expiration date checked?
Right Dose
Dose verification
- Dose verified against order?
- Dose calculation checked (if applicable)?
- High-alert medication double-checked?
Right Route
Route verification
- Route verified against order?
- Route appropriate for patient?
- IV site checked (if IV medication)?
Right Time
Time verification
- Time verified against order?
- Within acceptable time window?
- Timing considerations checked (with/without food)?
Right Documentation
Documentation requirements
- Administration documented immediately?
- PRN reason documented (if applicable)?
- Patient response to be documented?
Additional Safety Checks
Extra verification steps
- Allergies verified before administration?
- Drug interactions checked?
- Patient education provided?
- Patient consent/agreement obtained?
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?
Environment of Care & Safety
Verify facility environment meets safety standards
- Fire exits clear and unobstructed?
- Emergency equipment functional and accessible?
- Spill kits available and stocked?
- Electrical cords and outlets in safe condition?
Documentation & Regulatory Compliance
Complete assessment documentation and ensure regulatory compliance
- All findings documented with evidence?
- Corrective actions assigned with timeline?
- Staff education provided on identified issues?
- Assessor Signature
- Additional Observations
Related Healthcare Checklists
- Pediatric Weight-Based Medication Dosing Checklist
- Anticoagulation Therapy Monitoring Checklist
- Chemotherapy Administration Safety Checklist
- Insulin Pump Management Checklist
- Blood Product Transfusion Safety Checklist
- Pressure Ulcer/Injury Prevention Checklist
- Patient Fall Risk Hourly Rounding Checklist
- Discharge Planning & Readiness Checklist
Related Medication Management Checklists
- Medication Storage & Handling - FREE Download
- Controlled Substance Count - FREE Download
- Medication Reconciliation - FREE Download
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- Medication Administration Safety Checklist - FREE Download
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- Pediatric Weight-Based Medication Dosing Checklist - FREE Download
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Why Use This Medication Administration Safety Checklist?
This medication administration safety checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for nurse/pharmacist professionals, this checklist covers 50 critical inspection points across 13 sections. Recommended frequency: every medication administration.
Ensures compliance with Joint Commission NPSG.03.04.01, ISMP Guidelines, CMS CoP. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Medication Administration Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 50 inspection items across 13 sections: Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Documentation, Additional Safety Checks, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management, Environment of Care & Safety, Documentation & Regulatory Compliance. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every medication administration. Each completion takes approximately 2-5 minutes.
Who should use this Medication Administration Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Nurse/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.