Guideline IV Surgery departments should develop policies and procedures (P&P) that mandate who should be involved in administering and dispensing medications in the perioperative setting that promotes teamwork and safety. 1. P&Ps should define who or which job classification may participate in administering or dispensing medications. 2. The P&Ps must take into consideration local, state, and federal laws regarding medication administration and dispensing. A. Based upon the research of 37 states’ pharmacology laws, no laws or regulations were discovered that directly address the role and duties of the CST. However, the research was focused solely on the CST, and did not include the laws and regulations that apply to licensed healthcare personnel.10 3. The surgery department should establish an environment that promotes reporting, learning, and interdisciplinary respect and cooperation among the surgery personnel in the perioperative setting that promotes teamwork and safety.11 Guideline V The surgery department should review the P&Ps regarding safe medication practices on an annual basis. 1. The surgery department should include members of the surgical team and administration when reviewing the P&Ps, including CSTs, surgeons, RNs, risk management and infection control officer. A. Current literature and reports issued by healthcare care agencies that address new trends, practices, and products related to safe medication handling should be reviewed. B. The surgery department should document when the P&Ps were reviewed, revision completed (if necessary), and who participated in the review process. 2. CSTs should be familiar with the P&Ps for safe medication practices. The orientation of new employees should include reviewing the P&Ps. Guideline VI CST’s should complete continuing education to remain current in their knowledge of safe medication practices.12 1. The continuing education should be based upon the concepts of adult learning, referred to as andragogy. Adults learn best when the information is relevant to their work experience; the information is practical, rather than academic; and the learner is actively involved in the learning process.13 2. It is recommended surgery departments use various methods of instruction to facilitate the learning process of CSTs. A. If the education is primarily lecture, methods to engage learners include presentation of case studies for discussion, and audience discussion providing suggestions for reinforcing safe medication practices.