The process for creating regulations within pharmacy is anything but simple. For hazardous drug (HD) handling, regulatory creation requires coalescence among multiple parties. It begins with NIOSH creating (or as in December 2024, updating) the process to evaluate HDs. USP acts by setting the minimum standards via chapter <800> that must be implemented to ensure safe HD handling and referencing the NIOSH list therein.

It is then within the purview of accreditors and state boards to set additional requirements or emphasize certain parts of the standards. As regulators, they also set the timeline for compliance. Thus, it is important to reach out to both your state board and accreditor to determine when your entity’s HD list must be updated in accordance with the new NIOSH list so that you can create an internal timeline for the updating process.

Further, ascertain if your regulators have stated expectations for HD list review. Typically, an entity’s HD list is reviewed at least annually, but a more regular schedule may be required, and such an approach may also be more effective.

With the aim of bringing some simplicity to your daily responsibilities, PP&P will continue to cover key issues in oncology and provide guidance on meeting these ever-changing regulations.

All the best,

R. Mitchell Halvorsen
Publisher