Title: Identify the procedures for storing and securing medications and equipment.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Practicing Storage and Disposal of Medication

Identification should include

- the importance of proper medication storage
  - client safety
  - medication integrity and safety
  - compliance with federal and state laws and regulations

- medicine cabinets, containers, or compartments
  - for medication storage only
  - Virginia DSS regulations § 22VAC40-73-660
- pharmacy containers
  - used by pharmacies for dispensation of medications
  - must meet legal requirements
  - medications must be kept and stored in original pharmacy containers
  - transfer of medications from one container to another done only by a pharmacist
  - only a pharmacist can change or alter the prescription label on a dispensed medication
- storage of internal and external medication
  - oral medications separate from topical or suppository type medications
  - eye drops stored separately from internal/external medications
- storage of medications that require a specific temperature
- storage of OTC medications in the original container with client’s name or pharmacy-issued container until administered pursuant to 22VAC40-73-680 (G).

Process/Skill Questions:

- How does one know where to locate medications?
- Why is it important for medications to be properly stored?