NIOSH recognizes that hazardous drugs are of major concern, estimating that about 8 million U.S. healthcare workers are potentially exposed to them. This figure includes pharmacy and nursing personnel, physicians, operating room personnel, environmental services workers, and shipping and receiving personnel.

Peripheral veins are the most common IV therapy line access method in both hospitals and paramedic services, as they’re generally the least invasive way to get fluids in and out of the body during therapy. By some accounts, more than 25 million patients in the United States get a PVC each year.

The clarification says that physicians are encouraged to use their best judgment when prescribing opioids. In addition, the guideline is not meant to deny appropriate opioid therapy to anyone suffering from conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease.

The study, published last month in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that 37.5% of the 6,539 patients reviewed were receiving the anticoagulant warfarin and aspirin without a clear indication, and that these patients were at a significant increase in adverse outcomes.

At the moment, the laws on this topic are very dependent on where your facility is located, and you should take the time to look up your state laws. This Q&A is meant to clear up some of the broader questions around medical cannabis in healthcare—for patients as well as healthcare employees.

Under the changes first proposed in September 2015, EPA is creating a new subpart P under RCRA that manages hazardous waste pharmaceuticals across a wide array of industries, including hospitals, physician offices, ambulatory care, and other providers who “distribute, sell, or dispense pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, homeopathic drugs, or prescription pharmaceuticals,” according to the EPA.

To minimize the potential for dangerous complications or the need for readmission, medical facilities must take steps to ensure clear communication practices.