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Medication - Managing Medication Shortages Following a Disaster

What is The Joint Commission's position regarding the impact Hurricane Helene had on the IV solution supply chain ?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.

The Joint Commission is aware of the substantial impact Hurricane Helene had on the IV solution supply chain. These impacts will likely continue for some time as alternate manufacturing options are determined.  The Joint Commission understands the impact these shortages can have on patient care and overall operations.  The Joint Commission encourages organizations to implement conservation strategies for these shortages. Healthcare organizations must ensure that implemented conservation strategies preserve patient safety.  The American Society of Health-System Pharmacy (ASHP) website has strategies for consideration and those can be found at https://www.ashp.org/Drug-Shortages/Shortage-Resources/Publications/fluid-shortages-suggestions-for-management-and-conservation

The Joint Commission has received questions from organizations regarding the ability to circumvent long standing guidance from both Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As an accreditation organization, the Joint Commission does not have the ability to alter federal guidelines from CDC or the FDA related to sterile medications.  However, The Joint Commission will ensure that none of our accreditation standards preclude healthcare organizations from adopting any interim guidance provided by the CDC or FDA (for example, use of FDA-approved imported sterile medications, or FDA-approved extended expiration dating). 

Additional Resources:
Baxter Hurricane Helene updates
Baxter Hurricane Helene Resources
CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response
FDA Hurricane Helene: Baxter's manufacturing recovery in North Carolina
Virginia Department of Health Hurricane Helene Post-Storm Response
HHS Statement from Secretary Xavier Becerra on IV Fluid Increase

 

Manual: Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter: Medication Management MM
New or updated requirements last added: November 04, 2024. New or updated requirements may be based on revisions to current accreditation requirements, regulatory changes, and/or an updated interpretation in response to industry changes. Substantive changes to accreditation requirements are also published in the Perspective Newsletter that is available to all Joint Commission accredited organizations.
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: November 04, 2024 Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: November 04, 2024 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on November 07, 2024 with update notes of: Reflects new or updated requirements Types of changes and an explanation of change type: Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. | Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. | Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
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