The policy PD2022_032 Medication Handling consolidates best practice principles on medication procurement, storage, prescribing, supplying, dispensing and administration at NSW public health facilities with the requirements of the NSW Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 and the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008, NSW Health policies and NSW Health directives relevant to medication handling.
Best practice principles are adopted from recognised standards, such as those published by health practitioner organisations, NSW government departments, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and the Commonwealth Department of Health.
The policy applies to all Public Health Organisation health facilities including hospitals, institutions, clinical services, outpatient clinics, community health centres, day centres and domiciliary services within the NSW Health system’s jurisdiction.
The policy does not apply to medication handling and administration by paramedics and flight nurses employed by NSW Ambulance, which is instead mandated in a separate Medications Management Standard Operating Policy endorsed by the service’s Chief Executive.
