Safe Handling of Hazardous Medications
Course Overview
Hazardous medications are agents that can pose toxicities, such as organ damage and reproductive risks. Chemotherapy agents are clearly hazardous. However, other commonly encountered medications may pose hazardous risks. All healthcare professionals should have solid knowledge of potentially hazardous medications and how to properly handle them.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Review the intent and focus of U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter <800>.
- Discuss the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling hazardous medications.
- Describe recommendations for the safe receipt, handling, and administration of hazardous medications.
- Outline the appropriate steps for deactivating, decontaminating, and cleaning following hazardous medication exposure.
- Evaluate components of an effective medical surveillance program.
About the Author/Presenter
Latousha (Tasha) P. Jackson, PharmD, BCPS, QP503A, received her bachelor of science in biology degree from Norfolk State University. She then went on to receive her doctor of pharmacy degree from the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth School of Pharmacy) in 2004. After receiving her degree, she started her career in hospital pharmacy practice at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA. After several years of hospital practice, Dr. Jackson obtained board certification in pharmacotherapy. Her experiences in hospital pharmacy practice and news of the New England Compounding Center tragedy inspired a desire to shift her practice into sterile compounding and patient safety. With renewed focus and training, she relocated to North Carolina to serve as Pharmacist Administrative Coordinator – Sterile Products at the Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC. She also went on to earn the CriticalPoint QP503A credential. Prior to joining the CriticalPoint team, Dr. Jackson served as the Compounding and Hazardous Medication Compliance Program Manager with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Durham, NC.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Nursing, Physician
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
