Program Summary

In 2003, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations ® (JCAHO) added contrast media to its definition of medications, a move consistent with the long-standing positions of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Medication Management (MM) Standard 4.10 (MM.4.10) requires that all prescriptions or medication orders be reviewed for appropriateness by a pharmacist. This standard now applies to contrast media. Other recent JCAHO® changes have impacted the procedures for use of contrast media in accredited institutions too.

Pharmacists and other health care providers are struggling to achieve compliance with these standards as they relate to contrast media and their classification as medications. In the institutional setting, radiologists have long held responsibility for oversight in the use of contrast media, typically with little involvement of the pharmacy department. Achieving compliance with the JCAHO® standards and National Patient Safety Goals will require a collaborative effort among the pharmacy and radiology departments to develop and implement policies and procedures and educate hospital staff.

This educational activity will review the various types of contrast media and issues for consideration in monitoring use and the JCAHO® standards related to contrast media. The program will conclude with two presenters who will share their experiences in implementing practices to comply with the new standards for contrast media.

Note: "JCAHO," "Joint Commission," and "Joint Commission Resources" are trademarks of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. ASHP Advantage has no relationship or affiliation with the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission does not endorse or sponsor these programs. Statements or presentations in connection therewith by individuals in some way connected with the Joint Commission represent only their personal views and are not binding upon the Joint Commission.