[Pharmwaste] RE: Automated dispensing of pharms and theft

Thu Apr 19 09:24:06 EDT 2012

Hi Jen and all,
Yes, some automated dispensing systems have very good security and can help reduce theft.  This legislation is very exciting for waste reduction because previously ADS weren't permitted in LTC.  The study we did at the U of MN in 2009 found an ADS, such as the Talyst Insite system could significantly reduce PhW and in that instance save the LTC facility almost $20K annually in waste disposal and nursing time costs.  I point out Talyst is because we looked at other systems, and the Insite was the best for waste reduction.

Credit for the legislation goes to former Rep. Paul Gardner who encouraged the MN Board of Pharmacy to study the use of ADS in LTC.  There were a number of people who testified at Leg. hearings in 2010, but kudos to Paul and the MN Board for taking this forward.

Our water just got a little cleaner and aquatic wildlife just got a break.

Very truly yours,

Catherine Zimmer, MS, BSMT
Industry Leader, Environmental and Regulatory
PSC Healthcare Services
Office:  651.645.7509
Mobile: 713.829.6365
www.pscnow.com<http://www.pscnow.com/>
Catherine.zimmer at pscnow.com<mailto:Catherine.zimmer at pscnow.com>

Live green now!
Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle.

From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us [mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Volkman, Jennifer (MPCA)
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 7:52 PM
To: pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Automated dispensing of pharms and theft

I am wondering, and maybe Catherine Zimmer can speak to this because she probably worked on the legislation, whether the automated dispensing systems could reduce theft in nursing homes and hospitals. It should certainly help to reduce waste! YAY!

Minnesota allows automated drug dispensing in nursing homes

The MN legislature passed a bill in March to allow automated drug dispensing machines that will reduce pharmaceutical waste in nursing homes and keep leftover drugs from being flushed into the sewer system.  This will save money too.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/?id=166&doctype=Chapter&year=2012&type=0

Published April 18, 2012, 06:12 PM
Hospital drug theft reports soar in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A coalition of law enforcement and health officials says reports of drug thefts are soaring at Minnesota hospitals and nursing homes.

A report by the group finds the number of reported incidents in Minnesota has climbed from 24 in 2005 to 52 in 2010.

Experts say it's a reflection of a nationwide surge in prescription-drug abuse - in many cases by those who care for patients.

The Star Tribune says the report was released Wednesday by the Controlled Substance Diversion Coalition.

The coalition also created a toolkit with "100 best practices" to help facilities reduce the risk of drug theft. Those include surveillance cameras in "high-risk areas," locking up prescription pads and training staff to "speak up" when they suspect someone is stealing

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