AuBurn LTC | 2026 Q2 Newsletter

Welcome!

Happy Spring! Please reach out to our pharmacy team if there are subjects or topics that you would like to see discussed in future issues of this newsletter!

Vaccines

An update on vaccine formulations. Shingrix is now in a prefilled syringe versus the standard two vials that required mixing prior to administration.

For individuals aged 65 years and older to be considered up to date on their COVID vaccines they must have

• Received 2 doses of the ‘25-‘26 COVID vaccine

OR

• Received 1 dose of the ‘25-‘26 COVID vaccines within the last 6 months

General Reminders

• If your facility EMAR is integrated with the pharmacy, new and/or updated narcotic orders do not transmit to us. ONLY refill request and d/c orders. So, if you get a new narcotic order, please either fax or call into the pharmacy.
• A reminder that used Fentanyl patches should NOT be placed in the sharps container. The proper disposal methods include placing in Drug Buster, folded in half and double flushed in toilet, or attached to piece of paper and placed in locked narc destruction cabinet. These methods are listed at the bottom of the count sheets for Fentanyl.
• When adjusting order in PCC or discontinuing please put a note in for the reasoning so we know if it is a true discontinuation, administration time adjustment, just an addition of a diagnosis, etc.

LTC/SNF Survey Trends

• AIMS assessment needs to be done on admissions and we recommend quarterly thereafter.
  • Drugs that need AIMS: Antipsychotics, Reglan, and Compazine
• If a med is unavailable, document as to why it is not available. During survey this will count against your med error rate. If it is a new start, please ensure the first dose timed to be given after a delivery, if it is an urgent need and not available in the Ekit please call the pharmacy. If a refill, document if waiting on cost approval, needs a prior authorization, etc.
  • In addition, for those once monthly/once weekly medication please ensure the administration is adjusted if not available
• Please ensure psych consents are completed for all admits and new orders.
• When passing meds ensure what is on the card matches what is on the EMAR, if not, please clarify with pharmacy or nursing leadership.
• Dating of insulin pens and reviewing expiration dates of those and other medications before administration.

How are we doing?

Please click the link below to take a brief survey. We greatly appreciate it!