In the evolving landscape of emergency medical services (EMS) in Virginia, significant regulatory changes are set to redefine how EMS agencies manage and administer drugs. At the heart of these transformations is the enforcement of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act by the FDA to come in November 2024.
Under Virginia’s current model, most EMS agencies do not have DEA registration, instead obtaining sealed drug kits from hospitals and exchanging opened kits at various hospitals. This system poses challenges for hospital pharmacies in ensuring oversight. With the enactment of new regulations, it is anticipated that each EMS agency will require its own Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) to register with the DEA, significantly altering the traditional exchange process. Additionally, the FDA’s enforcement of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act in November 2024, mandating interoperable, electronic tracing at the package level, could further impact the hospital drug kit exchange process.
Let’s highlight five critical aspects of the new Virginia regulation and best practices for selecting a solution:
The crux of the new legislation is the requirement for individual CSRs for EMS agencies, a shift aimed at enhancing accountability and control over the administration of Schedule II-V controlled substances. This move necessitates EMS agencies to rethink their drug management strategies, as the existing practice of operating under a hospital’s DEA registration will likely be phased out. Our secure storage and tracking solutions can help EMS agencies maintain compliance with these new requirements, ensuring that controlled substances are managed responsibly and efficiently.
Board of Pharmacy Guidance Document 110-41 serves as a critical resource, summarizing hospital pharmacy drug exchange models, EMS preparation of its drug kits, and how to obtain a CSR for various purposes. This guidance clarifies the practices that do and do not require a CSR, offering a roadmap for EMS agencies navigating the complex terrain of drug kit management under the new regulations. Agencies should select inventory management software aligns with the guidelines outlined in Document 110-41, facilitating seamless transition and compliance.
With the FDA set to enforce the Drug Supply Chain Security Act in November 2024, requiring electronic tracing of drug packages at the package level, EMS agencies must adapt to new tracking standards. This enforcement may significantly affect the traditional hospital drug kit exchange process, necessitating enhanced tracking capabilities. Look for solutions that ensure interoperable, electronic tracing of drug packages, thereby aiding EMS agencies in complying with federal requirements.
The impending regulations will likely modify the established kit-for-kit exchange model between hospitals and EMS agencies. Particularly, the one-to-one exchange of Schedule VI drugs will require a CSR. Make sure the software selected facilitate the efficient management of these exchanges, ensuring that EMS agencies can comply with the new one-to-one exchange requirements without compromising efficiency or patient care.
Under the new legislation, EMS stations or agencies that order and stock their own drug inventory and prepare/stock their own kits will need a CSR. To ensure compliance select a solution that includes secure medication storage and advanced inventory systems, supporting EMS agencies in accurately preparing and restocking drug kits while adhering to regulatory standards.
The landscape for EMS drug management in Virginia is rapidly evolving, with new regulations poised to redefine traditional practices. Our range of MedixSafe and IntelliView products are specifically designed to address these changes, providing EMS agencies with the tools needed to ensure compliance with controlled substance tracking and secure storage requirements in this new regulatory environment.
For more information on how our MedixSafe and IntelliView products can help your EMS agency adapt to these legislative changes, please contact us. Together, we can pave the way for a seamless transition into the future of EMS drug management.
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