USP-NF Chapter 797, published in January 2004, is having a major impact on sterile compounding operations within hospital pharmacies. These new regulations come partially as the result of public outcry over sterile compounding incidents that caused patient deaths in US hospitals.

Unlike past sterile compounding guidelines, USP 797 has the power of the law behind it. And while it brings a host of new challenges to hospital pharmacies, the standards also provide pharmacists with justification to seek funding, to upgrade barrier isolators and other equipment, and to implement new policies and procedures to achieve unprecedented levels of patient safety. The new standards also help assure personnel safety during the compounding of hazardous products such as chemotherapy drugs.

In this video, recognized thought leaders outline the specifics and the implications of USP 797. After reviewing this program, pharmacists will understand the basic changes needed to meet the rigorous requirements of the new standard.

The program features interviews with 6 thought leaders: Philip J. Schneider, MS, FASHP, Director, Latiolais Leadership Program, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University; Luci A. Power, MS, Senior Pharmacist, Manager, IV Additive Service, University of California Medical Center; Hank Rahe, BSIM, MSE, Technical Director, Containment Technologies Group; Doug Lang, RPh, Pharmacy Manager, BJC Home Care Services; Clyde Buchanan, MS, FASHP, Senior Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Emory Healthcare; Sylvia Bartel, RPh, MPH, Director of Pharmacy and Clinical Support Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Total Running Time: 25 minutes . Expiration Date: 02/25/06

This program qualifies for 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEU) of continuing education credit.