Medication Error Prevention Checklist
Comprehensive medication error prevention including high-alert medication safeguards, LASA drug verification, and safe medication practices.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Ongoing/Per shift
- Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
- Role: Nurse/Pharmacist
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: ISMP Guidelines, Joint Commission NPSG, FDA Medication Safety
High-Alert Medications
High-risk medication safeguards
- Independent double-checks performed?
- High-alert medications identified?
- High-alert protocols followed?
Look-Alike Sound-Alike
LASA drug safety
- TALL man lettering used?
- LASA drugs separated in storage?
- Extra verification for LASA drugs?
Safe Practices
General medication safety
- Five/six rights verified?
- Barcode scanning used?
- Allergies checked before administration?
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?
Related Healthcare Checklists
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- Medication Storage & Handling
- Controlled Substance Count
- Patient Identification Verification Procedure Checklist
- Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Checklist
- Specimen Labeling Verification Checklist
- Clinical Documentation Improvement Checklist
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Why Use This Medication Error Prevention Checklist?
This medication error prevention checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for nurse/pharmacist professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: ongoing/per shift.
Ensures compliance with ISMP Guidelines, Joint Commission NPSG, FDA Medication Safety. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Medication Error Prevention Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 8 sections: High-Alert Medications, Look-Alike Sound-Alike, Safe Practices, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management, Environment of Care & Safety. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed ongoing/per shift. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Who should use this Medication Error Prevention 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.