Staff who work with hazardous medications must be educated about the identification of hazardous medications, their possible health effects, safety data sheets (SDS), proper procedures for handling, preparation (as appropriate) and administration, transport, spill management, and disposal.
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs – Handling in Healthcare Settings outlines safe handling practices to promote patient safety, worker safety, and environmental protection. The VUMC Hazardous Medication List (HML) aligns with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) List of Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings and includes charts that define appropriate PPE based on activity.
VUMC Resources
- Handling Hazardous Medications Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Hazardous Medication Assessment of Risk (AoR) Database (Must be on campus or logged in through the VPN.)
- VUMC Hazardous Medication List (includes PPE charts)
- Do Not Tube List for Pharmaceuticals
Medication Waste
Policies
| Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Management: Cancer Therapy | Main Campus | |
| Hazardous Medication Handling | Main Campus | Regional Hospitals |
Safety SOPs
| Handling Contaminated Clothing | Main Campus | |
| Hazardous Material Spill and Exposure Management | Main Campus | Regional Hospitals |
| Hazardous Medication Receiving, Storing, Packaging and Transporting | Main Campus | Regional Hospitals |
| Hazardous Waste Handling and Disposal | Main Campus | Regional Hospitals |
| Pneumatic Tube System | Main Campus | |
(Unless otherwise indicated, "Main Campus" includes hospitals and clinics on the main campus and at One Hundred Oaks. "Regional Hospitals" includes regional hospitals, their associated clinics, and VIP locations.)
Training
- Hazardous Medications (available online in the Learning Exchange)
- PAPR Training - You must be medically cleared to wear a respirator by Occupational Health before you complete training.
Additional Resources
- NIOSH List of Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings
- USP <800> Hazardous Drugs – Handling in Healthcare Settings
Questions?
For additional questions or concerns, send a message to hazardousmedications@vumc.org.