When must the medication cart or individual storage bin be locked?

The requirement for locking the medication cart or individual storage bin is essential for ensuring the safety and security of medications. Locking the storage when it is not attended or out of visual range is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and to protect against medication errors or theft.

When the medications are not in direct observation, there is an increased risk of mishandling or misuse, so the protocol mandates that these areas remain secure. This not only safeguards the medications but also complies with regulatory standards that govern medication management in healthcare settings.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not provide adequate security measures. Locking the cart when attended by anyone does not address the risk of unsupervised access, while only locking during maintenance may leave it vulnerable during regular operational hours. Locking at the end of each shift, while a good practice, could leave the cart unsecured during shift changes when staff may be in transition. Therefore, the lock must be utilized whenever the cart or bin is out of sight or unattended to uphold safety protocols effectively.