The Joint Commission Medication Management Standards (Joint Commission) are among the most rigorous and challenging for an organization to implement, according to the article, Maintaining Compliance (Kienle, Uselton, Lee, 2008). Medication management standards, revised in 2014, (The Joint Commission, 2013) address all stages of the medication processes and are no longer viewed as primarily a pharmacy responsibility. The management of medications is considered a system-wide responsibility that impacts every clinical area in the facility.

Imaging services are assuming a more visible role in healthcare facilities. This increased visibility is directly related to the rapid development of sophisticated diagnostic technology as well as the increasing therapeutic use of imaging technology. As would be anticipated with this increase in activity and level of intervention, more regulations are being imposed to support the provision of safe and effective services.

Objectives

After studying the information presented, the reader should be able to:

• Describe the rationale for the inclusion of imaging services into the organizational medication management plan
• Discuss the role of the Joint Commission in initiating the changes in the management of medication processes in the imaging departments/services
• Identify what patient information is needed to safely prescribe and administer medications
• Describe the changes in procedures related to the identification of contrast media and contrast agents as medications
• Discuss the appropriate method of securing medications prepared for use during an imaging procedure