Minnesota Department of Transportation & U.S. Department of Transportation
DOT regulations are specific surrounding the transport of various pharmaceuticals. Certain drugs qualify as, and are subject to, HAZMAT regulations. Chemotherapy drugs require various credentials depending upon their class, type and volume. Formal Security Plans must be devised. Statutes require certain licensing requirements as well as record keeping and reporting requirements. Drug testing and background checks must be performed on certain driver classes. Vehicle placarding may be needed.
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
Although accreditation is not available to delivery companies, compliance is mandatory for the benefit of the Healthcare Organization. Chain-of-Custody is of issue when delivering pharmaceuticals, especially narcotics. Additionally, depending upon the organization, various requirements including drug screening, background checks and bonding must be qualified. Proper training programs and access by delivery personnel to proper equipment and supplies is a direct requirement.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Privacy issues have been tantamount to healthcare organizations. Violations can occur with the simplest action. Packages inappropriately labeled can violate a patient’s privacy rights. Pharmaceuticals given, even temporarily, to another individual will risk the privacy of a patient’s condition. In addition, those individuals exposed to patient information must understand the confidentiality implications. Business Associate Contracts must be properly drafted and maintained between organizations and vendors. Data accumulated from delivery companies must be managed, encrypted, and protected.
Occupational Safety and Health Organizations
Exposure to unsafe levels of hazardous material must be avoided. Radioactive material must be assessed in order to determine the proper precautions for individuals and to assure proper packaging. Thermo luminescent dosimeter badges may be required. Bio-hazard exposure must be addressed when dealing with lab samples. Spill kits are necessary to handle spills of both body fluids and of chemotherapy drugs. Handling of certain equipment used by a patient possesses a threat of contamination.
Standards of Professional Conduct
Delivery personnel interact with patients and as such are subject to standards of conduct. Interaction must be professional and demeanor courteous and attentive to the patients varying life situations. Misconduct can subject the organization to significant legal ramifications as well as jeopardize reputation. Delivery personnel must represent the organization at the same level they would strive for themselves. They must be uniformed, groomed and display an ID.
