In a downtime when barcode scanning is unavailable, what should a facility's protocol include?

• A. Rely on the most recent order without verification.
• B. Skip the downtime protocol and continue as normal.
• C. Manual verification of patient identity and drug, with documented downtime protocol and supervisor checks.
• D. Cancel all medication administration for the duration of the downtime.

Answer: (C)

When barcode scanning is unavailable, the safety principle shifts from automated verification to a carefully controlled manual process that protects the patient from wrong-patient and wrong-drug errors. The priority is to verify patient identity using two identifiers and to confirm the medication against the MAR or eMAR—double-checking the drug, dose, route, and time before administration. A documented downtime protocol ensures every team member follows the same steps, maintains a clear record of what was administered, and communicates the downtime status to the care team. Supervisor checks add an essential extra layer of oversight, catching potential mistakes and ensuring compliance with the protocol. Together, these elements create accountability, traceability, and safety during the period when barcode scanning isn’t available. Relying on the most recent order without verification, skipping the downtime protocol, or canceling all medications would significantly raise the risk of errors and patient harm.