Use of Starter Meds, Drug Samples Prohibited
Recent reports suggest that providing starter medications or drug samples to patients offers no real benefit, may complicate adequate insurance coverage and increases non-compliance of documentation policies. In response to this, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Medical Staff Executive Committee and Care Improvement Council approved a new policy for Starter Medication and Drug Samples Policy.
The policy states the following: “The use of starter medications and drug samples, including OTC samples, is prohibited at all locations of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. There may be rare, limited cases where a sample medication may provide some benefit. In these cases, the requesting practice area must petition the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee for approval of these medications.” For further details and information, please see www.bwhpikenotes.org/HospitalwidePoliciesAndManuals/AdministrativePolicyManual/I-51.doc