Is a patient permitted to request a blanket waiver of safety caps under PPPA?

Is a patient permitted to request a blanket waiver of safety caps under PPPA?

• A. No
• B. Only for certain medications
• C. Only with a doctor's note
• D. Yes

Answer: (D)

Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, most prescription medicines must be in child-resistant packaging, but an exception exists when a patient or caregiver requests non–child-resistant packaging. A blanket waiver is allowed if the patient signs a written request agreeing that non–child-resistant containers may be used for all current and future prescriptions and understands the safety risks. The pharmacist should document the waiver in the patient’s file and provide counseling on safe storage and handling. Some products may be exempt from the requirement regardless, but the option to grant a blanket waiver upon a patient’s request is permitted.

Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, most prescription medicines must be in child-resistant packaging, but an exception exists when a patient or caregiver requests non–child-resistant packaging. A blanket waiver is allowed if the patient signs a written request agreeing that non–child-resistant containers may be used for all current and future prescriptions and understands the safety risks. The pharmacist should document the waiver in the patient’s file and provide counseling on safe storage and handling. Some products may be exempt from the requirement regardless, but the option to grant a blanket waiver upon a patient’s request is permitted.