CMS SOM App. A, Tag A-0493

ensure quality pharmaceutical services, including emergency services.

Interpretive Guidelines §482.25(a)(2)

There must be sufficient personnel to respond to the pharmaceutical needs of the patient

population being served.

The pharmaceutical services staff must be sufficient in types, numbers, and training to provide

quality services, including 24 hour, 7-day emergency coverage, or there is an arrangement for

emergency services, as determined by the needs of the patients and as specified by the medical

staff.

The number of pharmacists and/or the number of hours of services provided by pharmacists at

the hospital, or at each location of the hospital that provides pharmaceutical services, must meet

and be in accordance with the needs of its patients and accepted professional principles (as

previously defined), and reflect the scope and complexity of the hospital’s pharmaceutical

services.

There must be sufficient numbers and types of personnel to provide accurate and timely

medication delivery, ensure accurate and safe medication administration and to provide

appropriate clinical services as well as the participation in continuous quality improvement

programs that meet the needs of the patient population being served.

Survey Procedures §482.25(a)(2)

• Determine that the pharmaceutical services staff is sufficient in number and training to

provide quality services, including 24 hour, 7-day emergency coverage, or there is an

arrangement for emergency services, as determined by the needs of the patients and as

specified by the medical staff.

• Determine if there are sufficient personnel to provide accurate and timely medication

delivery, ensure accurate and safe medication administration and to provide appropriate

clinical services as well as the participation in continuous quality improvement programs

that meet the needs of the patient population being served.