LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 352.19 Sample Medications
 
  PROCEDURES
  1. Prescriber(s) shall request sample medications through pharmaceutical sales representatives' electronic system or through written request to manufacturer sales representative and print requests for clinic nurse(s) or psychiatric technician(s). 
    1. The request for sample medications from a DMH physician shall contain the following:
       
      • Name of supplier
      • Address of supplier
      • Name of requestor
      • Address of requestor
      • Name and strength of sample medication requested
      • Quantity of sample medication requested
         
  2. For sample medications that will be dispensed to clients, prescriber(s) shall affix medication label with information required under Business and Professional Code 4076 and all packaging requirements of good pharmaceutical practice, including the use of childproof containers.
     
  3. Upon receipt of sample medications, shipment receipts shall be filed and the following shall be documented:
     
    • Date of receipt
    • Medication Name
    • Medication Strength
    • Quantity received
       
  4. Sample medications inventory shall be tracked by automated medication dispensing system or paper log approved by DMH Pharmacy Services
     
    1. Sample medications administered to clients in the clinic shall also be documented in accordance with DMH Medication Administration Policy 352.10.
    2. Sample Medication Log shall be kept a minimum of three (3) years.
    3. Upon administering or dispensing samples, the following shall be recorded for inventory tracking purposes.
      • Name of client receiving samples
      • Administered/dispensed amount
      • Remaining amount
      • Transaction date
      • Lot number
      • Staff initials
         
  5. Any client in clinic, who is prescribed sample medication, can obtain samples utilizing supervising psychiatrist's sample stock or their primary prescriber's sample stock.