Is a pharmacist in an institutional setting required to check all drug orders within 24 hours?

In institutional pharmacy settings, the standard practice is that pharmacists must review all medication orders promptly to ensure safe and effective medication use. The requirement for checking all drug orders within 24 hours is rooted in ensuring patient safety and proper medication management. This includes orders from external sources, such as those from a physician outside the institution, because all medications should be assessed for appropriateness, potential interactions, and patient-specific factors regardless of the source.

In contrast to the other answers, which suggest a limitation on the types of orders that need to be reviewed or suggest alternative timeframes, the requirement for comprehensive oversight within 24 hours emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, especially in an institutional environment where patient care and medication management can directly affect patient outcomes. Timely reviewing of all orders aids in the prevention of medication errors and ensures that patients receive the necessary treatments without undue delay.