Pharmaceuticals Management

Another area where both cost and liability need careful control is in the use of prescription medications by offenders.

One approach to utilization control involves the establishment of a formulary, which is a compilation of medications that are approved for use based on an analysis of cost and effectiveness. Many of the newest drugs on the market, while perhaps offering certain advantages, often bear the price burden of extensive research and development. In many cases, however, the prior generation of medications is just as good while also less costly.

Close attention should also be paid to the utilization of psychotropic drugs intended to treat a wide range of mental health symptoms/complaints, from psychosis to depression to anxiety and insomnia. These medications can be among the most expensive as well as the most over-prescribed in the correctional setting.

Given that certain drugs also fall under the scrutiny of the DEA, the system by which medications are prescribed, ordered, received, accounted for, stored and administered also requires careful development and ongoing evaluation.

Quality assurance efforts and thorough documentation are also essential, particularly in light of the potentially catastrophic impact of medication errors. In fact, all of the liability and cost pitfalls inherent in correctional healthcare are manifest in pharmaceuticals management.