What is the role of the designated person in an HD handling facility?

The designated person in a hazardous drug (HD) handling facility plays a crucial role in guaranteeing adherence to established handling protocols and regulations. This responsibility encompasses a wide range of tasks, including monitoring the overall safety and compliance of HD practices within the facility. The designated person is typically tasked with ensuring that staff members follow guidelines such as those outlined in USP 800, which provides standards for the safe handling of hazardous drugs to minimize exposure and protect both employees and patients.

By focusing on compliance, the designated person actively contributes to the safety and efficacy of practices related to HDs, mitigating potential health risks associated with exposure. This role is integral to maintaining regulatory standards and ensuring that the facility operates within legal and safety frameworks, ultimately protecting all stakeholders involved in handling hazardous drugs.

While there are other important functions associated with handling hazardous drugs, such as conducting training sessions and performing safety inspections, the primary role of the designated person is to oversee compliance with protocols to ensure that safety measures are not only established but also followed consistently.