SECTION .0800 ‑ PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL TREATMENT ORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION

10A NCAC 13K .0801      PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL TREATMENT ORDERS

(a)  The hospice shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for the administration of drugs and treatments including controlled substances.

(b)  The original order for drugs and treatments shall be signed by the attending physician and incorporated in the patient's medical record. Signed faxed orders are acceptable. The receiver of faxed orders shall assure a hard copy is incorporated in the patient record. Thermal paper faxes are not acceptable.

(c)  Verbal orders shall be given to a licensed nurse, physician or other person authorized by state law to implement orders, recorded and signed by the person receiving it and countersigned by the prescribing physician, or person authorized by the North Carolina Medical Board to sign for another physician. Care may commence with a verbal order documented in the patient record.

(d)  Changes in drugs and treatments shall be signed by the physician and incorporated in the medical record within 30 days.

(e)  Each patient's drug regimen shall be monitored to assure optimal symptom control in accordance with physician's orders. Individuals qualified to perform such reviews are registered nurses, pharmacists, licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants approved to practice in North Carolina.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131E‑202;

Eff. November 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1996; November 1, 1989;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. December 22, 2018.