The interpretation, and clarification of a prescriber’s order and the assembly and preparation of the order for delivery to the client. Dispensing is not within the scope of nurses practice.
Repackaging or providing medications after they have been dispensed by a pharmacy is considered “supplying” not dispensing and is therefore within your nursing scope of practice. Situations considered “supplying” include but are not limited to:
• filling a mechanical aid or alternative container from a client’s own blister pack or prescription bottle to facilitate self-administration or administration by a caregiver;
• repackaging and labeling drugs from a client’s own supplies;
• administering medications prepared by a pharmacy;
• administering medications from a stock supply (dispensed by pharmacy);
• providing clients with their own blister packs or prescription bottles;
• providing clients with medications obtained from a ward stock or ‘night cupboard’; and
• providing medications from an agency pharmacy upon a client’s discharge from an institution when they are unable to get their medications from their community pharmacy.
