Medication Reconciliation at Admission Checklist

Complete medication reconciliation within 24 hours of admission to ensure accurate medication history and prevent adverse drug events.

  • Industry: Healthcare
  • Frequency: Every patient admission
  • Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
  • Role: Pharmacist/Nurse
  • Total Items: 51
  • Compliance: Joint Commission NPSG.03.06.01, CMS CoP, ISMP Guidelines

Medication Information Sources

Gather medication information from multiple sources

  • Patient/family interview completed?
  • Home medication list obtained?
  • Community pharmacy contacted?
  • Previous medical records reviewed?
  • PCP office contacted if needed?

Medication Verification

Verify each medication

  • All drug names verified (brand/generic)?
  • All doses verified?
  • All routes verified?
  • All frequencies verified?
  • Last dose date/time documented?

High-Risk Medications

Special attention to high-risk medications

  • Anticoagulants reviewed and documented?
  • Insulin regimen reviewed?
  • Opioid medications reviewed?
  • Immunosuppressants reviewed?

OTC & Supplements

Document non-prescription items

  • OTC medications documented?
  • Vitamins/supplements documented?
  • Herbal products documented?

Allergies & Reactions

Document allergy information

  • Drug allergies verified?
  • Reaction types documented?
  • NKDA confirmed if applicable?

Reconciliation Actions

Determine actions for each medication

  • Medications to continue identified?
  • Medications to hold identified?
  • Medications to discontinue identified?
  • New medications ordered?

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

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Why Use This Medication Reconciliation at Admission Checklist?

This medication reconciliation at admission checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for pharmacist/nurse professionals, this checklist covers 51 critical inspection points across 12 sections. Recommended frequency: every patient admission.

Ensures compliance with Joint Commission NPSG.03.06.01, CMS CoP, ISMP Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Medication Reconciliation at Admission Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 51 inspection items across 12 sections: Medication Information Sources, Medication Verification, High-Risk Medications, OTC & Supplements, Allergies & Reactions, Reconciliation Actions, 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 patient admission. Each completion takes approximately 15-30 minutes.

Who should use this Medication Reconciliation at Admission Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Pharmacist/Nurse 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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