is intended for external use, as many physicians prefer
the For External Use Only labels.
After the prescription is labeled, check the
ingredients again by some systematic method to ensure
accuracy.
As an added precaution and to aid expeditious
identification of drugs in case of undesirable effects,
note the manufacturer and the lot number of the
proprietary drug dispensed on the prescription form
(fig. 6-3). This procedure, however, does not apply to
medications consisting of a mixture of several
ingredients. The initials or the code of the person
filling the prescription must also be written on the
prescription form (fig. 6-3).
FILING PRESCRIPTIONS
Prescriptions that have been filled must be
maintained in one of several separate files:
Schedule II and III narcoticsPrescriptions
containing
narcotics
are
numbered
consecutively, preceded by the letter N, and
filed separately.
AlcoholThese prescriptions are numbered
consecutively, preceded by the letter A, and
filed separately.
Schedule III (nonnarcotic), IV, and V
drugsThese prescriptions are part of and are
numbered in the same manner as the general
files; however, they are maintained separately.
General filesAll other prescriptions are
numbered consecutively and filed together.
Currently, prescriptions are required to be kept on
file for at least 2 years after the date of issue.
REGULATIONS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES PERTAINING TO
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES,
ALCOHOL, AND DANGEROUS DRUGS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Recall
Hospital Corpsman responsibilities and
accountability pertaining to controlled
substances; identify controlled substance
schedules; and recall controlled substance
security, custody, inventory, and survey
procedures.
Hospital Corpsmen who handle controlled
substances and other drugs are held responsible for the
proper distribution and custody of those substances
and drugs. Nowhere is the demand for strict integrity
more important. Misuse, abuse, loss, and theft of these
substances have always, sooner or later, ended in
tragedy and severe consequences. No one has ever
profited by their misappropriation.
It behooves every Hospital Corpsman to
thoroughly understand the responsibility concerning
the custody and handling of controlled substances and
other drugs and to be familiar with the regulations and
laws pertaining to them.
RESPONSIBILITY
Although the MANMED specifically assigns
custodial responsibility for controlled substances,
alcohol, and dangerous drugs to a commissioned
officer (and more specific control to the Nursing
Service), you, as a Hospital Corpsman, have the
responsibilities of administering and securing them
properly. All controlled substances and other drugs are
to be kept under lock and key. Neither keys nor drugs
should ever be entrusted to a patient.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Hospital Corps personnel are held accountable for
drugs entrusted to them.
Great care should be
exercised to prevent the loss or unauthorized use of
drugs. No drug should be administered without proper
authority. In addition, U.S. Navy Regulations forbid
the introduction, possession, use, sale, or other transfer
of marijuana, narcotic substances, or other controlled
substances.
6-24
NAVAL HOSPITAL
BETHESDA, MD
20814
(keep out of reach of children)
John R. Doe, HM2, USN
Take one (1) tablet every 12 hours if needed
for cold symptoms.
Dimetapp #30
Dr. Johnson
No Refills
Phone
295-2113
295-550
4/28/99kk
117765
HM3F0605
Figure 6-5.Prescription label.