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Maternal Safety Requirements – Availability of Emergency Supplies and Medications

Does the requirement found at PC.06.01.01 EP 3 that refers to a 'kit' require that supplies and medications needed to respond to a maternal hemorrhage emergency be kept in a separate container, such as a tote, bin or toolbox?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only

No, use of the word 'kit' does not require organizations to separate supplies and medications needed to respond to a maternal hemorrhage emergency and store them in their own container. The intent is that organizations have identified the supplies and medications needed to respond to an emergency and that they are organized and readily accessible to minimize any delays in treatment.  

For example, to ensure emergency medications are securely stored, and in a manner consistent with the manufacturer, such medications may be kept in an automated dispensing cabinet (ADC). The ADC is then programmed to release all emergency medication at once by entering a key word, an acronym, etc. Supplies could be managed in a similar manner. This option is sometimes referred to as a 'virtual' kit. Since emergency medications and supplies may not be used very often, organizations should have a process in place to ensure supplies needed to manage hemorrhage emergencies have not expired.  This should include a process for prompt restocking should the emergency supplies and medication be used.
Manual: Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter: Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC
New or updated requirements last added: November 04, 2022. 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, 2022 Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: November 04, 2022 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on March 24, 2023 with update notes of: Editorial changes only 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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