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Pharmaceutical Management—Meeting
JCAHO Standards with Pollution Prevention
Pollution prevention (P2) activities
make great performance improvement initiatives. They
can help you achieve JCAHO standards included in the
Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals (CAMH)
and meet rules, regulations and Hospitals
for a Healthy Environment (H2E) goals. They also
promote the health of the public-keeping in line with
the basic premise of health care.
Mismanaged waste pharmaceuticals may
cause or significantly contribute to increased mortality,
or an increase
in serious incapacitating illness. Properly
manage waste pharmaceuticals in the organization.
Many pharmaceuticals are considered
hazardous waste when disposed of, including many chemotherapeutic
agents, epinephrine, nicotine, nitroglycerin, physostigmine
and warfarin.
Disposal of greater than 1 kg (2.2
lbs) in any calendar month of RCRA P-listed wastes such
as arsenic trioxide, epinephrine, nicotine and warfarin
(>0.3%), makes the organization a Large Quantity
Generator of hazardous waste. Trace chemotherapy waste
is considered hazardous waste in Minnesota.
Reducing container size, quantity
ordered and spills, and improving management can prevent
pollution and reduce costs.
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