Developing Standard Operating Procedures
Developing Standard Operating Procedures by Denise M. Frank, RPh, FACA, FAPC Policies and Procedures are the written pharmacy documents that include the policy statement (a course or plan of action, a high-level principle of the pharmacy), and the procedures for complying or carrying out a task. These procedures are also referred to as Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs. Why do we need Policies and Procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the pharmacy? Policies and procedures will provide for the consistent performance of activities. Personnel have a reference on how to handle situations and perform tasks – working as a team. The manual will very useful when training new employees with clear explanations, instructions, and expectations for specific tasks and for their position. Well-written SOPs also help protect a pharmacy from liability. The policies and procedures, when followed, ensure staff are compliant with regulations and standards and this...