What is the maximum amount of time that can pass between two-person medication counts?

The maximum amount of time that can pass between two-person medication counts is 24 hours. This practice is critical in maintaining medication security and ensuring proper accountability within healthcare settings. The 24-hour timeframe ensures that any discrepancies or issues related to medication inventory can be promptly identified and addressed, reducing the risk of medication errors, misuse, or diversion.

While extending the time interval beyond 24 hours might seem feasible, it increases the risk of losing track of medication usage and potential errors that could occur unnoticed. Therefore, adhering to the 24-hour standard helps uphold safety protocols and supports appropriate medication management practices. This time limit is recognized in many regulatory and organizational policies regarding medication administration.