PHARMACIES in Victoria have been urged to consider the installation of larger drug safes, as a result of the introduction of new Schedule 8 poisons as well as the addition of new strengths of existing S8 products (PD 23 Sep 16).
A communiqu issued late last week by the Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA) cited some cases where stock had outstripped safe capacities, with inspectors finding insecure cupboards or even filing cabinets had been used.
The VPA reminded licensees that the keys to the S8 safes must be secured at all times.
"Many pharmacies do not have multiple keys for the S8 safe(s) and it is recommended that a key safe (combination lock) be considered for the secure storage of the keys.
"The keys must not be left in a locked drawer or hidden in a supposedly secret place, especially when the pharmacy is closed."
Movement detector sensors to cover safe doors are also required, the Communiqu said.
In addition, the Authority said it has written to Australia Post to confirm previous advice that the supply by post of controlled drugs within the meaning of the Crimes Act 1914 (in effect, S8 poisons) is illegal - however "supply by a private courier company is acceptable".
The authority also warned pharmacists about the storage of patient data, after several cases of 'ransomware' where pharmacies were the subject of extortion with fraudsters requesting money for the decryption of information.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 24 Oct 16
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 24 Oct 16
