Section 856IAC1-28.1-14. Patient's own medication

   (a) An institutional pharmacy is prohibited from accepting and dispensing drugs that are brought into the institution by the patient, even if intended for use by that same patient. However, use of the patient's own medication may be permitted if:

(1) the patient or the patient's representative may maintain the patient's own medication:

(A) at the bedside; or

(B) for drugs with special storage requirements, including, but not limited to, refrigeration in an appropriate storage area in the patient care area under control of nursing personnel for appropriate administration to that patient only; and

(2) the nurses in charge of that patient's care shall witness the administration and maintain records of such use.

  (b) If the patient or the patient's representative brings in medication part or all of which is still present at such time a patient expires, those drugs shall be delivered to the institutional pharmacy for appropriate destruction. Such drugs may not be turned over to the patient's representatives. This rule shall be made clear to the parties involved prior to the permission to use such medication. Patients who are discharged shall take with them their own medications brought to the institution under the terms of this section.

  (c) In the event the patient is discharged and leaves drugs brought in under this section, either deliberately or inadvertently, such drugs shall be documented and stored at the appropriate nursing location for a maximum of seven (7) calendar days. If not claimed by the patient or the patient's agent within those seven (7) calendar days, the drugs so stored shall be destroyed as described in subsection (b). (Indiana Board of Pharmacy; 856 IAC 1-28.1-14; filed Dec 26, 2001, 2:44 p.m.: 25 IR 1642; readopted filed Sep 26, 2008, 10:55 a.m.: 20081015-IR-856080346RFA; readopted filed Dec 1, 2014, 8:33 a.m.: 20141231-IR-856140392RFA)