Pyxis Machines

Do the Pyxis machines need to be located in an enclosed room that could be locked? Or can they be located in an alcove, where the nurse station has direct visibility of it?

There is no TJC requirement to keep Pyxis MedStations® in an enclosed room that could be locked unless that is the methodology chosen by the hospital (and as reflected in their policies & procedures) to keep their medications immediately available, yet safe and secure. Locating the Pyxis MedStation® in an area that is always attended and monitored adjacent to or behind a nurse station might also be permitted as long as the medications are both safe and secure. The hospital should perform a risk assessment to ensure that TJC Medication Management (MM) standards and elements of performance are complied with. Please see below TJC standard MM.03.01.01 which specifies the following:

• EP.3: The hospital stores all medications and biologicals, including controlled (scheduled) medications, in a secured area to prevent diversion, and locked when necessary, in accordance with law and regulation.
•  EP.4:  The hospital has a written policy addressing the control of medication between receipt by an individual health care provider and administration of the medication, including safe storage, handling, security, disposition, and return to storage.
• EP.6:   The hospital prevents unauthorized individuals from obtaining medications in accordance with its policy and law and regulation.
• EP.10:  Medications in patient care areas are available in the most ready-to-administer forms commercially available or, if feasible, in unit-doses that have been repackaged by the pharmacy or a licensed repackager.