Course Curriculum

This session will provide information about the recent changes in Medicare’s conditions of participation, which require hospitals to establish a formalized antibiotic stewardship program. This program also reviews the existing conditions of participation and problematic pharmacy standards. The CMS interpretive guidelines address medication management and pharmacy-related standards. Hospitals can look to these standards when CMS conducts a survey. Medication management also is a focus for The Joint Commission. Medication errors account for the largest number of medical errors in health care. They are also the mostcommon reason for unnecessary hospital readmissions. For the first time, CMS mentions that nursing needs to be aware of the pharmacy standards. This includes medication errors, adverse events, drug incompatibilities, self‐administered medication and required medication policies.

Learning Objectives
• Describe CMS requirements for pharmaceutical services.
• Describe minimum security requirements.
• Explain basic required policies and procedure.
• Explain patient safety measures for medications.

Speaker Bio
Nancy Ruzicka is a consultant on state and federal rules, regulations and interpretative guidelines. Ruzicka previously worked as director of integrity and compliance and privacy official at MercyOne Des Moines and director of regulatory compliance at UnityPoint Health-Des Moines. She also has more than 20 years of experience with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Ruzicka holds master’s degrees in health law and business administration and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, all from Drake University. She is certified in health care compliance and maintains her Iowa pharmacy license.

Cost: $195

This webinar is brought to you by the NHA in partnership with the Iowa Hospital Association.