FDA Supports ISMP Launch of First High-Alert Medication Safety Self Assessment- Drug Information Update

Safe Use Initiative

	The Division of Drug Information (DDI) - serving the public by providing information on human drug products and drug product regulation by FDA

With support from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Safe Use Initiative, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) introduced a new tool to help hospitals, long-term care facilities, and certain outpatient facilities evaluate their best practices related to high-alert medications, identify opportunities for improvement, and track their experiences over time. The ISMP Medication Safety Self Assessment for High-Alert Medications focuses on general high-alert medications and 11 specific medication categories--including opioids, insulin, neuromuscular blocking agents, chemotherapy, and moderate and minimal sedation. ISMP defines high-alert medications as those bearing a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error. Participants who submit assessment findings by February 28, 2018 will be able to obtain their weighted scores so they can compare themselves to demographically similar organizations. Participants submit their assessments anonymously via a secure internet portal.  Participation can also help organizations meet requirements for managing high-alert medications from regulatory and accrediting agencies.  For more information, please visit: Safe Use Initiative.