The countdown is on to July 1, 2018, which marks the official implementation date for USP General Chapter <800> titled, “Hazardous Drugs---Handling in Healthcare Settings.” In this activity, faculty will review key engineering controls required for compliance with the standards, noting that those controls vary for the three categories of hazardous drugs on the NIOSH hazardous drug list. In addition, resources to guide a healthcare facility’s self assessment of readiness to meet Chapter <800> standards will be described. Firsthand experience from a site that has already implemented many of the standards will be shared. Implementation of the standards from the perspective of the inter-professional team will be included.

• Describe key engineering controls required for compliance with USP General Chapter <800> on handling hazardous drugs in healthcare settings.
• Define the three categories of hazardous drugs on the NIOSH hazardous drug list.
• Describe the process of performing an assessment of risk for drugs used in your practice setting
• List at least two resources to guide a healthcare facility’s assessment of its readiness to meet Chapter <800> standards.
• Develop an interdisciplinary plan for assessing a healthcare facility’s compliance with USP General Chapter <800> standards and identifying solutions for areas needing change.

This continuing pharmacy education activity was planned to meet the needs of pharmacists, especially those who come in contact with hazardous drugs, are responsible for managing practitioners who work with hazardous drugs, and those who are interested in improving the safety of the health care environment.