Which statement about the two-person verification requirement is accurate?

Which statement about the two-person verification requirement is accurate?

• A. For controlled substances, a single qualified staff member can verify all steps.
• B. A second qualified staff member must verify ordering, dispensing, and administration.
• C. Verification is optional if the medication is non-narcotic.
• D. Verification must occur only for prescribing.

Answer: (B)

Two-person verification is a safety practice where a second qualified staff member independently checks critical steps in the medication process. The statement that a second qualified staff member must verify ordering, dispensing, and administration reflects this safety net: at each of these stages, the second person confirms that the correct patient, drug, dose, route, and time are being used before the medication is given. This is especially important for high-risk medications, such as controlled substances, to prevent errors and diversion. This approach isn’t about one person handling everything, isn’t optional for high-risk drugs, and isn’t limited only to prescribing. The verification spans ordering, dispensing, and administration to ensure accuracy and patient safety across the entire chain.

Two-person verification is a safety practice where a second qualified staff member independently checks critical steps in the medication process. The statement that a second qualified staff member must verify ordering, dispensing, and administration reflects this safety net: at each of these stages, the second person confirms that the correct patient, drug, dose, route, and time are being used before the medication is given. This is especially important for high-risk medications, such as controlled substances, to prevent errors and diversion.

This approach isn’t about one person handling everything, isn’t optional for high-risk drugs, and isn’t limited only to prescribing. The verification spans ordering, dispensing, and administration to ensure accuracy and patient safety across the entire chain.