System and apparatus for administering prescribed medication to a patient

• US 6,032,155 A
• Filed: 10/21/1997
• Issued: 02/29/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Carlos De La Huerga
• Original Assignee: Carlos De La Huerga
• Inventors: de la Huerga, Carlos
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Loomis, John C.
• Application Number:
  US08/955,475
• Time in Patent Office: 861 Days
• Field of Search: 707/9, 707/10, 707/104, 221/2, 221/4, 364/479.06, 364/479.07, 364/479.11, 364/479.14, 364/479.01, 364/479.02, 702/177
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/1437 Locking means requiring key or combination to open the container
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/10 Bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/60 using magnetic or electronic identifications, e.g. chips, RFID, electronic tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/70 Audible labels, e.g. for pre-recorded info or messages
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0046 Cups, bottles or bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0084 for multiple medicaments
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/04 Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/35 communicating wirelessly
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2111 Location-sensitive, e.g. geographical location, GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/65 stored on portable record carriers, e.g. on smartcards, RFID tags or CD
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 70/40 relating to drugs, e.g. their side effects or intended usage
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 Object-oriented database structure processing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99948 Application of database or data structure, e.g. distributed, multimedia, or image

Abstract

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for administering prescribed medication to a patient. The prescribed medication administration system and apparatus dispense prescribed medication, verify the medication is given to a correct patient by an authorized healthcare worker and tracks and records the administration of the medication. The system utilizes a workstation connected to a database containing prescribed medication dose information for various patients. A healthcare worker uses the workstation to manually or automatically dispenses the medication the portable container. An information device is secured to the portable container during transport and administration of the medication to the intended patient. The information device prevents access to the medication or warns the healthcare worker of a potential error if the medication is delivered to the wrong patient or administered by an unauthorized healthcare worker. The information device records actual consumption information, and delivers this information back the workstation database or to a hospital or pharmacy database.

Claims

1. A patient verification method for verifying that a prescribed dose of medication is administered to a specific patient, said patient verification method comprising the steps of:

providing a dispensing workstation in communication with a database having predetermined patient information and corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patients, a portable container adapted to move from open and closed positions and locked and unlocked positions, an information device having a memory, a comparison device, and a patient identification device associated with the specific patient, said patient identification device containing specific patient information;

using said dispensing workstation to select a selected patient from said database, said selected patient having selected patient information and corresponding selected prescribed medication dose information;

dispensing the prescribed dose of medication for said selected patient into said portable container, communicating a dispensing signal containing said selected patient information to said information device, storing said selected patient information in said memory of said information device, closing said portable container, attaching said information device to said portable container, and locking said portable container in said locked position;

transporting said portable container and information device to the specific patient;

communicating a verification signal containing either of said selected patient information and said specific patient information to said comparison device;

comparing said specific patient information to said selected patient information; and

,

unlocking said portable container when said specific patient information corresponds to said selected patient information.

2. The patient verification method of claim 1, and wherein said comparison device is a computer processor in said information device, and said verification signal contains said specific patient information.

3. The patient verification method of claim 2, and wherein the prescribed dose of medication is administered by a specific healthcare worker, said database includes predetermined healthcare worker information associated with said selected prescribed medication dose information, and said dispensing signal contains said predetermined healthcare worker information for storing in said memory of said information device, and further comprising the steps of:

providing a healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information for the specific healthcare worker;

communicating an authorization signal containing said administering healthcare worker identification information to said information device; and

,

unlocking said portable container when said administering healthcare worker information corresponds to said predetermined healthcare worker information.

4. The patient verification method of claim 1, and wherein said dispensing workstation includes an automated dispensing machine with a bulk container adapted to hold the doses of medication, said dispensing workstation being in communication with said dispensing machine, and said dispensing machine being adapted to dispense the prescribed dose of medication into said portable container.

5. The patient verification method of claim 1, and wherein said dispensing signal contains selected prescribed medication dose information, said selected prescribed medication dose information being communicated to and stored in said memory of said information device, and further comprising the steps of:

determining when said portable container has been unlocked, and storing consumption information in said memory of said information device; and

,

communicating a confirmation signal containing said specific patient information, said selected prescribed medication dose information and said consumption information from said information device to either of said database and a separate database to confirm that the prescribed dose of medication was administered to the specific patient.

6. The patient verification method of claim 5, and wherein said selected prescribed medication dose information contains medication type and quantity information, and said confirmation signal contains said medication type and quantity information for updating either of said database and said separate database.

7. The patient verification method of claim 1, and wherein said portable container has first and second portions, said first portion having a compartment for holding the dose of medication and an opening for removing the dose of medication, and further comprising the step of sealing said portable container by moving said second portion from said open position to said closed position.

8. A patient verification method for verifying that a prescribed dose of medication is administered to a specific patient, said patient verification method comprising the steps of:

providing a dispensing workstation in communication with a database having predetermined patient information and corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patients, a portable container, an information device having a memory, a comparison device, and a patient identification device associated with the specific patient, said patient identification device containing specific patient information;

using said dispensing workstation to select a selected patient from said database, said selected patient having selected patient information and corresponding selected prescribed medication dose information;

dispensing the prescribed dose of medication for said selected patient into said portable container, and communicating a dispensing signal containing said selected patient information to said information device, storing said selected patient information in said memory of said information device, and attaching said information device to said portable container;

transporting said portable container and information device to the specific patient;

communicating a verification signal containing either of said selected patient information and said specific patient information to said comparison device;

comparing said specific patient information to said selected patient information; and

,

activating an indicator when said specific patient information differs from said selected patient information.

9. The patient verification method of claim 8, and wherein said comparison device is a computer processor in said information device, and said verification signal contains said specific patient information.

10. The patient verification method of claim 9, and wherein the prescribed dose of medication is administered by a specific healthcare worker, said database includes predetermined healthcare worker information corresponding to said selected prescribed medication dose information, and said dispensing signal contains said healthcare worker information for storing in said memory of said information device, and further comprising the steps of:

providing a healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information for the specific healthcare worker;

communicating an authorization signal containing said administering healthcare worker identification information from said healthcare worker identification device to said information device; and

,

unlocking said portable container when said administering healthcare worker information corresponds to said predetermined healthcare worker information.

11. The patient verification method of claim 8, and wherein said dispensing workstation includes an automated dispensing machine with a bulk container adapted to hold individual doses of medication, said dispensing workstation being in communication with said dispensing machine, and said dispensing machine being adapted to dispense the prescribed dose of medication into said portable container.

12. The patient verification method of claim 8, and wherein said portable container is adapted to move from open and closed positions and from locked and unlocked closed positions, and further comprising the steps of:

closing said portable container after the dose of medication has been dispensed into the portable container;

locking said portable container in said closed position to prevent access to the dose of medication; and

,

leaving said portable container locked when said specific patient information differs from said selected patient information.

13. The patient verification method of claim 12, and wherein said portable container has first and second portions, said first portion having a compartment for holding the prescribed dose of medication and an opening for removing the prescribed dose of medication, and further comprising the step of sealing said portable container by moving said second portion over said opening prior to locking said portable container in said closed position.

14. The patient verification method of claim 8, and wherein said portable container is adapted to move from open and closed positions, and said dispensing signal contains selected prescribed medication dose information for storage in said memory of said information device, and further comprising the steps of:

closing said portable container after the dose of medication has been dispensed into the portable container;

storing said specific patient information of said verification signal in said memory of said information device;

determining when said portable container is opened, and storing consumption information in said memory of said information device; and

,

communicating a confirmation signal containing said specific patient information, said selected prescribed medication dose information and said consumption information from said information device to either of said database of said dispensing workstation and a separate database to confirm that the medication was administered to the specific patient.

15. The patient verification method of claim 14, and wherein said selected prescribed medication dose information contains medication type and quantity information, and said confirmation signal contains said medication type and quantity information for updating said database.

16. A healthcare worker authorization method for ensuring an administering healthcare worker is authorized to administer a prescribed dose of medication to a specific patient, said healthcare worker authorization method comprising the steps of:

providing a dispensing workstation in communication with a database having predetermined patient information and corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patients, and said prescribed medication dose information being associated with predetermined healthcare worker information, a portable container adapted to move from open and closed positions, an information device having a memory, a healthcare worker identification device associated with the administering healthcare worker, said healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information, and a comparison device for comparing said information;

using said dispensing workstation to select a selected patient from said database;

dispensing the prescribed dose of medication for said selected patient into said portable container, communicating a dispensing signal containing said predetermined healthcare worker information to said information device, and storing said predetermined healthcare worker information in said memory of said information device, attaching said information device to said portable container, and locking said portable container in said closed position;

transporting said portable container and information device to the specific patient;

communicating an authorization signal containing either of said predetermined healthcare worker information and said administering healthcare worker information to said comparison device;

comparing said administering healthcare worker information to said predetermined healthcare worker information; and

,

unlocking said portable container when said administering healthcare worker information matches said predetermined healthcare worker information.

17. The healthcare worker authorization method of claim 16, and wherein said comparison device is a computer processor in said information device, and said authorization signal contains said administering healthcare worker information.

18. A healthcare worker authorization method for ensuring an administering healthcare worker is authorized to administer a prescribed dose of medication to a specific patient, said healthcare worker authorization method comprising the steps of:

providing a dispensing workstation in communication with a database having predetermined patient information and corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patients, said prescribed medication dose information being associated with predetermined healthcare worker information, a portable container, an information device having a memory, a healthcare worker identification device associated with the administering healthcare worker, said healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information, and a comparison device for comparing said information;

using said dispensing workstation to select a selected patient from said database;

dispensing the prescribed dose of medication for said selected patient into said portable container, communicating a dispensing signal containing said predetermined healthcare worker information to said information device, storing said predetermined healthcare worker information in said memory of said information device, and attaching said information device to said portable container;

transporting said portable container and information device to the specific patient;

communicating an authorization signal containing either of said predetermined healthcare worker information and said administering healthcare worker information to said comparison device;

comparing said administering healthcare worker information to said predetermined healthcare worker information; and

,

activating an indicator when said administering healthcare worker information differs from said predetermined healthcare worker information.

19. The healthcare worker authorization method of claim 18, and wherein said comparison device is a computer processor in said information device, and said authorization signal contains said administering healthcare worker information.

20. A medication tracking method for a prescribed dose of medication administered to a specific patient by a healthcare worker, said medication tracking method comprising the steps of:

providing a dispensing workstation containing predetermined patient infringement and corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patient, a portable container adapted to move from open and closed positions, an information device having a memory, a healthcare worker identification device associated with the administering healthcare worker, said healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information, a patient identification device associated with the specific patient, said patient identification device containing specific patient information;

using said dispensing workstation to select a selected patient, said selected patient having selected patient information and corresponding selected prescribed medication dose information;

dispensing the prescribed dose of medication for said selected patient into said portable container, communicating a dispensing signal containing said selected medication dose information to said information device, storing said selected medication dose information in said memory of said information device, attaching said information device to said portable container, and moving said portable container to said closed position;

transporting said portable container and associated information device to the specific patient;

communicating an authorization signal from said healthcare worker identification device containing said administering healthcare worker information to and storing said administering healthcare worker information in said memory of said information device;

communicating a verification signal from said patient identification device containing said specific patient information to and storing said specific patient information in said memory of said information device;

moving said portable container to said open position after said administering healthcare worker information and specific patient information are received by said information device; and

communicating a confirmation signal containing said selected medication dose information, said administering healthcare worker information and said specific patient information to either of said dispensing workstation and a separate database.

21. The medication tracking method of claim 20, and wherein said information device includes a clock, and further comprising the steps of:

obtaining consumption time information when said portable container is unlocked, and storing said consumption time information in said memory of said information device; and

,

including said consumption time information in said confirmation signal for communication to either of said database of said dispensing workstation and said separate database.

22. The medication tracking method of claim 20, and wherein said information device includes a data entry button, and further comprising the steps of:

entering consumption amount information via said data entry button, and storing said consumption time information in said memory of said information device; and

,

including said consumption amount information in said confirmation signal for communication to either of said database of said dispensing workstation and said separate database.

55. The medication tracking apparatus of claim 21, and wherein said healthcare worker identification device containing healthcare worker information is a bar code, and wherein said verification signal is received from said bar code.

23. A patient verification apparatus for holding and limiting access to a prescribed dose of medication during transport to a specific patient, said patient verification apparatus comprising:

a portable container having first and second portions, said first portion having a compartment adapted to hold the medication during transport to the specific patient, and an opening for removing the medication, said second portion being adapted for movable engagement with said first portion to and from open and closed positions to selectively open and close said opening in said first portion;

a locking mechanism adapted to engage said second portion, said locking mechanism having a latch adapted to move between locked and unlocked positions, said locking mechanism being adapted to selectively lock said second portion in said closed position when said latch is in said locked position;

an information device attached to said portable container during transport to the specific patient, said information device having a communication device, a computer processor and a memory, said communication device and memory being in communication with said computer processor, said communication device being adapted to receive a dispensing signal containing selected patient information for storage in said memory;

a patient identification device containing specific patient information associated with the specific patient, said communication device being adapted to receive a verification signal containing said specific patient information from said patient identification device; and

,

wherein said computer processor of said information device compares said selected patient information to said specific patient information, said computer processor enabling said latch to move to said unlocked position and said second portion of said portable container being movable to said open position when said selected patient information corresponds to s aid specific patient information.

24. The patient verification apparatus of claim 23, and wherein said first and second portions of said container are separate pieces and said locking mechanism engages said first and second portions.

25. The patient verification apparatus of claim 23, and wherein said locking mechanism and said information device share a common housing.

26. The patient verification apparatus of claim 23, and further comprising a healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information, and wherein said dispensing signal contains predetermined healthcare worker information for storage in said memory of said information device, and said communication device is adapted to receive an authorization signal containing said administering healthcare worker information, said computer processor enabling said latch to move from said locked position to said unlocked position when said predetermined healthcare worker information corresponds to said administering healthcare worker information.

27. The patient verification apparatus of claim 23, and wherein said communication device is adapted to transmit a confirmation signal containing consumption information to a database to confirm that the prescribed dose of medication was administered to the specific patient.

28. The patient verification apparatus of claim 27, and wherein said dispensing signal contains medication type and quantity information for storage in said memory, said database contains prescribed medication dose information, and said confirmation signal containing said medication type and quantity information is used to update said prescribed medication dose information.

29. The patient verification apparatus of claim 23, and wherein said patient identification device containing specific patient information is a bar code, and wherein said verification signal is received from said bar code.

30. The patient verification apparatus of claim 23, and wherein the medication is in liquid form and said portable container includes an IV bag.

31. A patient verification apparatus for verifying that a healthcare worker administers a prescribed dose of medication to a specific patient, said patient verification apparatus comprising:

a portable container adapted to hold the prescribed dose of medication during transport of the medication to the specific patient;

an information device attached to said portable container during transport to the specific patient, said information device having a communication device, a computer processor and a memory, said communication device and memory being in communication with said computer processor, said communication device being adapted to receive selected patient information for storage in said memory;

a patient identification device associated with the specific patient and containing specific patient information, said communication device being adapted to receive a verification signal containing said specific patient information, said computer processor comparing said selected patient information to said specific patient information; and

,

an indicator in communication with said information device, said computer processor activating said indicator after comparing said selected patient information to said specific patient information.

32. The patient verification apparatus of claim 31, and wherein said indicator includes an alarm, and said computer processor activates said alarm when said selected patient information differs from said specific patient information.

33. The patient verification apparatus of claim 31, and wherein said indicator includes a visual display, and said computer processor activates said visual display when said selected patient information corresponds to said specific patient information.

34. The patient verification apparatus of claim 31, and wherein said portable container has first and second portions, said first portion having a compartment adapted to hold the prescribed dose of medication and an opening for removing the prescribed dose of medication, said second portion being adapted for movable engagement with said first portion to and from open and closed positions to selectively open and close said opening, said computer processor enabling said second portion to move from said closed position to said open position when said selected patient information corresponds to said patient specific information.

35. The patient verification apparatus of claim 34, and wherein said second portion of said container is moved to said closed position after the prescribed dose of medication is dispensed into said compartment of said portable container, and further comprising a latch for locking said second portion in said closed position when said selected patient information differs from said specific patient information.

36. The patient verification apparatus of claim 34, and wherein said information device includes a clock and a sensor for detecting when said second portion of said container moves toward said open position, said sensor communicating said movement to said computer processor, said computer processor obtaining corresponding consumption time information from said clock and recording said consumption time information in said memory, and said communication device being further adapted to transmit a confirmation signal containing said specific patient information and said consumption time information to a database.

37. The patient verification apparatus of claim 36, and wherein said communication device is adapted to receive medication quantity information, said information device has a data entry button, said data entry button enables the healthcare worker to revise said medication quantity information based on actual consumption by the specific patient, and said confirmation signal contains said medication quantity information.

38. The patient verification apparatus of claim 31, and further comprising a dispensing workstation in communication with a database containing said predetermined patient information and corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patients, said dispensing workstation having a computer processor, a communication device and an input terminal, said database, communication device, and input terminal being in communication with said computer processor, and said input terminal enabling the healthcare worker to select a selected patient from said database, said selected patient having selected patient information and corresponding selected prescription medication dose information, and said input terminal enabling the healthcare worker to transmit a dispensing signal containing said selected patient information to said communication device of said information device when the prescribed dose of medication is dispensed to said portable container.

39. The patient verification apparatus of claim 38, and wherein said dispensing workstation includes a dispensing machine having a bulk container adapted to hold the medication, and said computer processor of said dispensing workstation is in communication with and causes said automated dispensing machine to dispense the prescribed dose of medication from said bulk container to said portable container upon receipt of said prescribed medication dose information.

40. The patient verification apparatus of claim 38, and further including a healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information, said memory of said dispensing workstation and said dispensing signal containing predetermined healthcare worker information, said communication device of said information device being adapted to receive an authorization signal containing said administering healthcare worker information from said healthcare worker identification device, said computer processor of said information device comparing said predetermined healthcare worker information to said administering healthcare worker information and activating said indicator when said predetermined healthcare worker information differs from said administering healthcare worker information.

41. The patient verification apparatus of claim 31, and wherein said patient identification device containing specific patient information is a bar code, and wherein said verification signal is received from said bar code.

42. The patient verification apparatus of claim 31, and wherein the medication is in liquid form and said portable container includes an IV bag.

61. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 31, and wherein said information device includes a clock and a sensor for detecting when said second portion of said container moves toward said open position, said sensor communicating said movement to said computer processor, said computer processor obtaining corresponding consumption time information from said clock and recording said consumption time information in said memory, and said communication device being adapted to transmit a confirmation signal containing said administering healthcare worker information and said consumption time information to a database.

43. A medication dispensing and tracking apparatus for tracking the administration of a prescribed dose of medication to a specific patient by a healthcare worker, said medication dispensing and tracking apparatus comprising:

a dispensing workstation in communication with a database containing predetermined patient information and corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patients, said dispensing workstation having a first computer processor, a first communication device and an input terminal, said database, first communication device, and input terminal being in communication with said first computer processor, said input terminal enabling the healthcare worker to select a selected patient from said database, said selected patient having selected patient information and corresponding selected prescription medication dose information, and said input terminal enabling the healthcare worker to transmit said selected patient information and said selected prescribed medication dose information to said first communication device;

a portable container adapted to receive the prescribed dose of medication during transport to the specific patient, said portable container having first and second portions, said first portion having a compartment adapted to hold the prescribed dose of medication and an opening for removing the prescribed dose of medication, said second portion being movable to and from open and closed positions to selectively open and close said opening;

an information device attached to said portable container during transport to the specific patient, said information device having a second communication device, a second computer processor, a memory and a clock, said second communication device, memory and clock being in communication with said second computer processor, said second communication device being adapted to receive a dispensing signal from said first communication device, said dispensing signal containing said selected patient information and said selected prescribed medication dose information for storage in said memory, said second portion of said container being moved to said closed position when the prescribed dose of medication is dispensed into said portable container; and

,

a sensor for detecting when said second portion of said container moves from said closed position towards said open position and communicating said movement to said second computer processor, said second computer processor obtaining corresponding consumption time information from said clock and recording said consumption time information in said memory, and said second communication device being adapted to transmit a confirmation signal containing said selected patient information, said selected prescribed medication dose information and said consumption time information to either of said database and a separate database.

44. The medication dispensing and tracking apparatus of claim 43, and wherein said dispensing workstation includes a medication dispensing machine having a bulk medication container adapted to hold the doses of medication, said first computer processor being in communication with and causing said medication dispensing machine to dispense the prescribed dose of medication from said bulk medication container to said compartment of said portable container.

45. The medication dispensing and tracking apparatus of claim 43, and further comprising a patient identification device containing specific patient information associated with the specific patient and an alarm in communication with said second computer processor, said second communication device being adapted to receive a verification signal containing said specific patient information, said second computer processor comparing said selected patient information to said specific patient information, and said second computer processor activating said alarm when said selected patient information differs from said specific patient information.

46. The medication dispensing and tracking apparatus of claim 43, and further comprising a healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information, and an alarm in communication with said second computer processor, said dispensing signal containing predetermined healthcare worker information, said second communication device being adapted to receive an authorization signal containing said administering healthcare worker information prior to said second portion of said container being moved toward said open position, said second computer processor comparing said predetermined healthcare worker information to said administering healthcare worker information, said second computer processor activating said alarm when said predetermined healthcare worker information differs from said administering healthcare worker information.

47. The medication and tracking apparatus of claim 43, and wherein said sensor is activated by a button.

48. A medication tracking apparatus for identifying a healthcare worker that administers a prescribed dose of medication to a specific patient, said medication tracking apparatus comprising:

a portable container having first and second portions, said first portion having a compartment adapted to hold the prescribed dose of medication during transport to the specific patient and an opening for removing the prescribed dose of medication, said second portion being movable to and from open and closed positions to selectively open and close said opening;

a locking mechanism adapted to engage said second portion, said locking mechanism having a latch adapted to move between locked and unlocked positions, said locking mechanism being adapted to selectively lock said second portion in said closed position when said latch is in said locked position;

a healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information; and

,

an information device attached to said portable container during transport to the specific patient, said information device having a communication device, a computer processor and a memory, said communication device and said memory being in communication with said computer processor, said communication device being adapted to receive a dispensing signal containing selected patient information and corresponding selected prescribed medication dose information for storage in said memory;

said communication device being further adapted to receive an authorization signal containing said administering healthcare worker information form said healthcare worker identification device, said computer processor enabling said latch to move from said locked position to said unlocked position upon receipt of said administering healthcare worker information.

49. The medication tracking apparatus of claim 48, and further comprising a dispensing workstation in communication with a database containing said predetermined patient information and said corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patients, said dispensing workstation having a computer processor, a communication device and an input terminal, said database, communication device, and input terminal being in communication with said computer processor, said input terminal being adapted to enable the healthcare worker to select a selected patient from said database, said selected patient having selected patient information and corresponding selected prescription medication dose information, and said input device enabling the healthcare worker to transmit said dispensing signal containing said selected patient information and said selected prescribed medication dose information to said communication device of said information device.

50. The medication tracking apparatus of claim 49, and wherein said information device includes a clock and a sensor for detecting when said second portion of said container moves toward said open position, said sensor communicating said movement to said computer processor, said computer processor obtaining corresponding consumption time information from said clock and recording said consumption time information in said memory, said communication device being adapted to transmit a confirmation signal containing said consumption time information to a database.

51. The medication tracking apparatus of claim 48, and further comprising a patient identification device containing specific patient information associated with the specific patient, said communication device of said information device being adapted to receive a verification signal containing said specific patient information, and an indicator in communication with said computer processor, said computer processor activating said indicator upon comparing said selected patient information to said specific patient information.

52. The medication tracking apparatus of claim 51, and wherein said indicator includes an alarm, and said computer processor activates said alarm when said selected patient information differs from said specific patient information.

53. The medication tracking apparatus of claim 51, and wherein said indicator includes a visual display, and said computer processor activates said visual display when said selected patient information corresponds to said specific patient information.

54. The medication tracking apparatus of claim 48, and wherein said information device has a data entry button and said prescribed medication dose information contains quantity information, and said data entry button enables the healthcare worker to revise said quantity information based on actual consumption by the specific patient.

56. The medication tracking apparatus of claim 48, and wherein the medication is in liquid form and said portable container includes an IV bag.

57. A healthcare worker authorization apparatus for verifying that a healthcare worker is authorized to administer a prescribed dose of medication to a specific patient, said healthcare worker authorization apparatus comprising:

a portable container adapted to hold the prescribed dose of medication during transport to the specific patient;

an information device attached to said portable container during transport to the specific patient, said information device having a communication device, a computer processor and a memory, said communication device and memory being in communication with said computer processor, said communication device being adapted to receive predetermined healthcare worker information for storage in said memory;

a healthcare worker identification device associated with the specific healthcare worker and containing administering healthcare worker information, said communication device being adapted to receive an authorization signal containing said specific healthcare worker information, said computer processor comparing said predetermined healthcare worker information to said administering healthcare worker information; and

,

an indicator in communication with said information device, said computer processor activating said indicator after comparing said predetermined healthcare worker information to said administering healthcare worker information.

58. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 57, and wherein said indicator includes an alarm, and said computer processor activates said alarm when said predetermined healthcare worker information differs from said administering healthcare worker information.

59. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 57, and wherein said indicator includes a visual display, and said computer processor activates said visual display when said predetermined healthcare worker information corresponds to said administering healthcare worker information.

60. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 57, and wherein said portable container has first and second portions, said first portion having a compartment adapted to hold the prescribed dose of medication and an opening for removing the prescribed dose of medication, said second portion being adapted for movable engagement with said first portion to and from open and closed positions to selectively open and close said opening, said computer processor enabling said second portion to move from said closed position to said open position when said predetermined healthcare worker information corresponds to said administering healthcare worker information.

62. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 60, and wherein said second portion of said container is moved to said closed position after the prescribed dose of medication is dispensed into said compartment of said portable container, and further comprising a latch for locking said second portion in said closed position and preventing said second portion from moving to said open position when said predetermined healthcare worker information differs from said administering healthcare worker information.

63. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 57, and wherein said communication device is adapted to receive medication quantity information, said information device has a data entry button, and said data entry button is adapted to enable the healthcare worker to revise said medication quantity information based on actual consumption by the specific patient.

64. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 57, and further comprising a dispensing workstation in communication with a database containing predetermined healthcare worker information and corresponding prescribed medication dose information for each of a plurality of predetermined patients, said dispensing workstation having a computer processor, a communication device and an input terminal, said database, communication device, and input terminal being in communication with said computer processor, and said input terminal enabling the healthcare worker to transmit a dispensing signal containing said predetermined healthcare worker information to said communication device of said information device.

65. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 64, and wherein said dispensing workstation includes a dispensing machine having a bulk medication container adapted to hold the medication, and said computer processor of said dispensing workstation is in communication with and causes said dispensing machine to dispense the prescribed dose of medication from said bulk medication container to said portable container.

66. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 64, and further including a patient identification device containing specific patient information, said dispensing signal containing selected patient information, said communication device of said information device being adapted to receive a verification signal containing said specific patient information, said computer processor of said information device comparing said selected patient information to said specific patient information and activating said indicator when said selected patient information differs from said specific patient information.

67. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 57, and wherein said healthcare worker identification device containing administering healthcare worker information is a bar code, and wherein said verification signal is received from said bar code.

68. The healthcare worker authorization apparatus of claim 57, and wherein the medication is in liquid form and said portable container includes an IV bag.