Does the BOP in Virginia require compliance with USP 797 and 800?

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy (BOP) mandates compliance with USP 797 and USP 800 standards as part of ensuring the safety and quality of compounded sterile preparations and the handling of hazardous drugs. USP 797 lays down the guidelines for sterile compounding, focusing on minimizing contamination and ensuring the sterility of medications, which is crucial for patient safety. Meanwhile, USP 800 outlines practices for handling hazardous drugs to protect both healthcare workers and the environment from exposure to harmful substances.

By requiring compliance with these standards, the BOP aims to ensure that pharmacies adhere to the best practices for compounding and handling medications, thereby safeguarding public health. The adherence to these standards is not limited to only certain types of compounding or specific drugs; rather, it applies broadly to all relevant practices within pharmacy operations in Virginia. This holistic approach reflects the commitment of the BOP to uphold high standards in pharmacy practice, encompassing both sterile and hazardous drug handling.