topical medications

Patients can receive unused topical medicines

Arizona's law covers multidose topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and dilation or glaucoma drops or ointments that facility staff obtain for a specific patient. Hospitals and outpatient surgery centers can offer unused portions at discharge, but do not have to. The medicine must be ordered at least 24 hours before surgery, given at the facility, and needed for continued treatment. Covered medicines must meet state labeling requirements. For use in an operating room or emergency department, the prescriber must explain proper use; pharmacist counseling is no longer required.