When is it acceptable to have after hours access to the pharmacy by a licensed nurse?
It is not within the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse to access the pharmacy after hours to obtain medication. It is within the scope of practice of the appropriately prepared registered nurse in certain limited situations, to access the pharmacy during the pharmacists absence as provided for in the Mississippi Pharmacy Practice Regulations. Article XXIX, Section 4, Subsection C of the regulations states, Whenever any drug is not available from floor supplies or other storage areas and such drug is required to treat the immediate needs of a patient whose health would otherwise be jeopardized (emphasis added), such drug may be obtained from the pharmacy in accordance with the requirements of this subsection. Only designated nurses in any one shift may be given access to the pharmacy and may remove drugs therefrom. Nurses allowed access to the pharmacy shall receive thorough education and training in the proper method of access, removal of drugs and records and procedure
