Abstract:
A computer-implemented method and system for inventory administration and monitoring of medicines and pharmaceuticals from a pharmacy and medicinal administration facility for use in correctional facilities, such as in prisons. Information related to past medical history of a patient may be reviewed while simultaneously reviewing a prescription written for the same patient. Prescription filling tasks can also be controlled, such as printing labels for medication in batches to assist with the shipment of medication to prison units. Compliance records associated with medicinal administration of prescribed medications to patients can also be maintained.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to computer-implemented methods and systems for pharmaceutical and medicinal dispensation services and, more specifically, for pharmaceutical and medicinal dispensation services in correctional facilities. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Managed healthcare is an important service that is required by law to be provided to all inmates within correctional facilities. Most correctional facilities do not have the internal resources to fully provide efficient managed healthcare services. For this reason, most correctional facilities outsource healthcare to entities that are better suited to handle healthcare on such a large scale. 
     Often in connection with correctional facilities, data related to inmates, such as demographic information, is maintained to provide the correctional facilities with accurate facility occupancy records and for other administrative purposes. This information has been historically maintained as a computer database on a particular computer system or network. 
     Correctional facilities have also maintained medical records or medical histories in a separate database on a separate computer system. The medical records have been used to record such events as provider visit results, prescription histories, lab work results, and the like. The medical records typically have been developed and maintained either by the correctional facilities or by a third party that has been providing healthcare services for the correctional facility system. 
     Even though the databases were created for different, specific purposes, some of the information from each of these databases would be useful in providing administrative healthcare services within the correctional facilities. However, the computer databases have been created separately in incompatible computer protocols. To effectively provide healthcare administrative services, both or more computer systems are needed. The computers need to be able to communicate with each other and provide access to the databases contained within the two separate computer systems. 
     In addition to the need of each computer system to be able to communicate with each other, federal regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), related to confidentiality and privacy of individual health records, have created an additional feature complicating factor for those involved in dealing with medical records. Medical records are required to be kept confidential and safeguards are required to be taken to protect such records. For example, many providers have a stated policy prohibiting transfer of information related to an individual&#39;s medical record by facsimile transmission because they do not deem this to be a secure transmittal method. Security measures are required to be implemented by those providing healthcare services to limit or control access to confidential medical records. 
     Medicinal administrators within correctional facilities are also required to maintain records associated with the physical administration and dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates. Inmates by law must have proper medical care while in the custody of the correctional facilities. Inmates historically have filed lawsuits against the correctional facilities claiming that they have been denied proper medical care. To provide sufficient evidence that the correctional facilities has exerted its best efforts to provide proper medical care, the correctional facilities have maintained records indicating the time, type, and dosage of medication that was administered to an inmate. A guard has been present during medication administration to ensure that the inmate actually consumed the prescribed medication, unless, as in rare circumstances, the inmate was allowed to keep the medication on his or her person, which is referred to keep-on-person medication. The correctional facility has kept records indicating whether or not the inmate has actually consumed the medication. Many times the records are either paper based or kept on a standalone computer system. To maintain this information efficiently, access to the medical record and demographic databases would be helpful to assist those that provide medication administrative and dispensation services within the correctional facility. 
     Medication inventory within the correctional facilities has been difficult to manage effectively. The correctional facilities generally have had a central pharmacy that has been responsible for supplying medication to the individual correctional facility units within a correctional facility. The central pharmacy has had a computer system of its own that typically has not been tied into the demographic database maintained by the prison system or the medical record database maintained either by the healthcare providers or by the correctional facility. Maintaining the inventory within the prison units and the central pharmacy and shipment of the medication to the correctional facility units are additional areas that would benefit from access to the data contained within the demographic and medical record databases. 
     As noted above, several types of data have been required and kept separately by prison and other detention systems, such as demographic information and medical health records. To keep the contents of different databases accurate, duplicate entries were required because much of the data is the same within the different databases. The databases have been created in separate computing environments for different purposes. At present, so far as known, instances have occurred in which data has been needed from each of the separate databases. Communication between the separate databases that were created in different computer environments has not been possible because of the incompatible formats of the separate databases. Maintaining the databases has also been difficult because each prison system has its own procedure for updating its demographic and medical record databases. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention advantageously provides a method for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates and dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities. The monitoring of the inventory and dispensation of prescribed medication is performed in conjunction with computerized records including an electronic medical record stored in computer containing information about an inmate to receive the prescribed mediation and the inmate&#39;s medical history. The systems and methods of the present invention enable correctional facilities to monitor and track each dose of medication from the time that it enters the pharmacy until an inmate takes the medication. 
     In order to monitor the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and dispensation of the prescribed medication, the method includes reviewing the electronic medical record to verify that the prescribed medication is suitable for the inmate. The review occurs in two phases. A first phase is performed automatically by a computer upon entry of a prescription into the computer. The automatic review checks for drug—drug interacts and for known allergies. A pharmacist typically performs the second phase of the review. The pharmacist can either perform a manual review or request that the computer perform the automatic computer review again. Once the records are reviewed, authorization for release of the prescribed medication for the inmate can be performed if the prescribed medication has been verified as suitable for the inmate. A pharmacist also typically authorizes the release of the prescribed medication. Once the prescribed medication has been released, a unit packet of the prescribed medication can be labeled for dispensing to the inmate. A pharmacist technician typically performs the task of labeling individual unit packets of the prescribed medication. The unit packet of the prescribed medication can be delivered to a correctional facility unit that houses the inmate. 
     Upon receipt of the prescribed medication, along with other pharmaceuticals used for a floor stock at the correctional facility, the inventory of pharmaceuticals at the pharmacy from which the pharmaceuticals were sent and the inventory at the correctional facility are adjusted accordingly. Once the prescribed medication is at the correctional facility, the prescribed medication is transferred within the correctional facility unit to administer the prescribed medication to the inmate. The location from which prescribed medication is administered in correctional facilities is often called a “pill window.” At the pill window, a record is formed in the computer verifying the dispensation of the unit packet of the prescribed medication to the inmate, the receipt of the prescribed medication by the inmate, and verifying whether the inmate took the unit packet of the prescribed medication. These records are used as provide verification reports to evidence that the correctional facility at least attempted to provide medical services for the inmate. 
     As another embodiment of the present invention, a method for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates in correctional facilities is advantageously provided. This monitoring of the inventory of pharmaceuticals is advantageously provided in conjunction with computer records including an electronic medical record containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history. In order to monitor the inventory of pharmaceuticals, the electronic medical record is reviewed to verify that the prescribed medication is suitable for the inmate. The step of reviewing can be performed in two steps, with a first step occurring automatically upon entry of a prescription in the system. A pharmacist typically performs the second step of the review. The step of reviewing compares the prescription with the inmate&#39;s electronic medical record to ensure that there will not be a drug—drug interaction or allergic reaction. If the prescribed medication has been verified as being suitable for the inmate, the pharmacist can authorize release of the prescribed medication for the inmate. 
     Once the pharmacist releases the prescribed medication, a label can be printed for the prescribed medication to place upon a unit packet of the prescribed medication for dispensing to the inmate. A pharmacist technician typically controls the printing and application of labels upon the prescribed medication. The inventory of pharmaceuticals is then adjusted based upon the prescribed medication delivered to the correctional facility for dispensing to the inmate. 
     To improve the fault tolerance associated with the system, the methods described herein can include the step of caching each electronic medical record for each inmate contained within each wave or shipment scheduled to be shipped within a predefined time period prior to the step of reviewing the electronic medical record. The cache system used in the present invention allows the data needed to perform the reviews for a predetermined time period to be pushed to a pharmacy server where the data remains in local memory until needed. In the event that the network malfunctions, the pharmacist will be able to continue with the review for upcoming shipments without any interruptions in the system during the predetermined time period. Caching can also be used for locally storing data related to each label to be printed for each wave scheduled to be shipped within a predetermined time period prior to printing the label. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention advantageously includes a program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a machine readable code of program instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps of monitoring pharmaceutical inventory and monitoring dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities. The monitoring pharmaceutical inventory and dispensation of prescribed medication is preferably performed in conjunction with an electronic medical record containing information about an inmate to receive the prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history. The machine readable code in the program storage device preferably include instructions for causing review of the electronic medical record, followed by authorizing release of the prescribed medication for the inmate. The machine readable code further includes instructions causing a label for the prescribed medication is then printed to place upon a unit packet of the prescribed medication, and forming a record in the computer for verifying: the dispensation of the unit packet of the prescribed medication to the inmate; the receipt of the prescribed medication by the inmate; and that the inmate took the unit packet of the prescribed medication. The records formed by the computer under control of these instructions are used to provide verification reports to evidence that the correctional facility at least attempted to provide medical services for the inmate. 
     As another embodiment of the present invention, a computerized system for monitoring of pharmaceutical inventory and dispensation of medication to inmates in correctional facilities in conjunction with an electronic medical record containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history is advantageously provided. The system preferably includes a computer memory, and a printer for printing labels for prescribed medication. The system also preferably includes pharmacy databases, a pharmacist review workstation, a pharmacist technician workstation, a medication dispensation workstation, and a communications network. 
     The pharmacy databases are preferably stored in the computer memory of the pharmacy server and are preferably used for maintaining a drug formulary and a pharmaceutical inventory. The pharmacist review workstation is preferably used to enable a pharmacist to simultaneously review the inmate&#39;s electronic medical record and an inmate&#39;s prescription in the computer memory and upon review of the inmate&#39;s prescription, approve the prescription. The pharmacist technician workstation printer enables pharmacist technicians to print labels for application to the inmate&#39;s prescribed medication upon command. The medication dispensation workstation enables data entries concerning the prescribed medication to be dispensed and a medication compliance history, or medical administration record, to be recorded in the computer memory. The communications network electronically interconnects the electronic medical record database, the pharmacy databases, the pharmacist review workstation, the pharmacist technician workstation, the medication dispensation workstation, the printer, and the computer memory to enable the devices to communicate with each other. 
     As another embodiment of the present invention, a computerized system for monitoring pharmaceutical inventory in correctional facilities in conjunction with an electronic medical record containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history is provided. The system preferably includes a computer memory and a printer. The system further includes pharmacy databases, a pharmacist review workstation, and a pharmacist technician workstation. 
     The pharmacy databases are preferably stored in the computer memory of a pharmacy server for maintaining records related to a drug formulary and a pharmaceuticals inventory. The pharmacist review workstation is preferably used to enable a pharmacist to simultaneously review the inmate&#39;s electronic medical record and an inmate&#39;s prescription in the computer memory and upon review of the inmate&#39;s prescription, approve the prescription. The pharmacist technician workstation is preferably used to enable pharmacist technicians to print labels with the printer for application to the inmate&#39;s prescribed medication upon command. 
     As yet another embodiment of the present invention, a computerized system for monitoring dispensation of medication to inmates in correctional facilities in conjunction with an electronic medical record containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history. The system advantageously includes a medication dispensation workstation and a communications network. 
     The medication dispensation workstation is used to enable medication to be dispensed and a medication compliance history to be recorded. The medication dispensation workstation preferably includes a computer memory in a server for medical administration record, or compliance records, to be recorded. The communications network is used to enable the electronic medical record database, the pharmacy databases, the pharmacist review workstation, the pharmacist technician workstation, and the medication dispensation workstation to communicate with each other. 
     In all embodiments of the computerized system for monitoring dispensation of medication to inmates in correctional facilities, the system can also include pharmacy databases for maintaining records related to drug formulary and a pharmaceutical inventory. 
     To better understand the characteristics of the invention, the description herein is attached, as an integral part of the same, with drawings to illustrate, but not limited to that, described as follows. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the detailed description set forth below is reviewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a system for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates and dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a system for computerized monitoring of dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a system for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates in correctional facilities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified block flow diagram of the method of providing computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals and dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified functional diagram of the components for the system for providing computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals and dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified block flow diagram of the method of providing computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates in correctional facilities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified block flow diagram of the method of providing computerized monitoring of dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified block flow diagram of the method of reclaiming prescribed medication that has been dispensed, but not taken, by inmates in correctional facilities and adjusting a pharmaceutical inventory based upon the reclamation of the prescribed medication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a functional diagram of pharmacy databases, including a drug formulary and a pharmaceutical inventory, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to scheduling correctional facility units to be included within shipments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to inputting a prescription for a prescribed medication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to adding or editing prescriptions for prescribed medication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to performing a drug-drug interaction and allergy review in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to a medication profile of an inmate that is used to review an inmate&#39;s electronic medical record in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to a list of prescribed medication that has been received at a correctional facility in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to a medical administration record including compliance records of an inmate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to indicating the prescribed medication that needs to be administered to an inmate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 18  is a pictorial representation of a computer screen used to provide operators with data relating to a list of prescriptions for inmates that need to be reviewed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     To better understand the invention, we shall carry out the detailed description of some of the modalities of the same, shown in the drawings with illustrative but not limited purposes, attached to the description herein. It should be understood that where subject matter or process steps of one of the illustrated embodiments or drawing figures is of a like nature to that shown in another embodiment, like reference numerals are used for each. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the drawings, a high level flowchart F ( FIG. 4 ) of a sequence of steps performed in a computer system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) according to the present invention is shown. The present invention provides a method for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates or patients and dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities. The computer system  100  used for providing monitoring of the inventory and dispensation of prescribed medication contains a data communication network  66 , a pharmacist workstation  56 , a pharmacist technician workstation  58 , a medication dispensation workstation  62 , a pharmacy server  89 , and computerized records including an electronic medical record  50  containing information about an inmate to receive the prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . The systems and methods described herein enable correctional facilities to monitor or track each prescribed medication that is prescribed to an inmate from the time that it enters the pharmacy until the prescribed medication is consumed or taken by the inmate. 
     As indicated in the high-level flowchart F ( FIG. 4 ), in order to monitor the inventory of the pharmaceuticals and dispensation of the prescribed medication, the method preferably includes reviewing the electronic medical record  50  to verify that the prescribed medication is suitable for the inmate, as indicated at step  20  in  FIG. 4 . The step  20  of reviewing the electronic medical record  50  includes an automatic review performed by utilizing sequences steps performed in the pharmacy server  89  under control of a computer program  57  associated with one or more servers  89 ,  50  upon entry of a prescription into the computerized system  100 . The results of the automatic review are then forwarded over network  66  to the workstation  56  to a pharmacist P for review. During step  20  in  FIG. 4 , the pharmacy server  89  causes an output indication, such as those shown in  FIGS. 13 and 18 , on a pharmacist&#39;s display screen  45  at the workstation  56  for the pharmacist P to view. The output displayed on the pharmacist&#39;s display screen  45  lists all of the pending prescriptions for an inmate and the automatic review results, which enables the pharmacist P to complete review of prescriptions for a particular inmate before proceeding to the next inmate. 
     If the pharmacist P is satisfied with the automatic review results, then the pharmacist P can authorize release of the prescribed medication by utilizing a routine stored on the pharmacy server  89  as indicated in step  22  of  FIGS. 4 and 6 . If the pharmacist P is dissatisfied with the automatic review, the pharmacist P can request that the automatic review be performed again by utilizing a routine stored on the pharmacy server  89  or perform their own manual review prior to authorizing release of the prescribed medication. If necessary, the pharmacy server  89  can provide a prompt for pharmacist P to consult with a provider at a provider&#39;s office  64  to suggest a substitute medication, as indicated at step  36  in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . 
     The computerized system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) described herein can be used to enter prescriptions for inmates. A computer input screen, such as shown in  FIG. 11 , can be used to assist with entry of the prescription into computerized system  100 . Once a prescription has been entered into the computerized system  100 , the prescription can be edited by a user by accessing a routine on the pharmacy server  89 . The pharmacy server  89  causes an output indication, such as shown in  FIG. 12 , on the pharmacist&#39;s display screen  45  that enables the user to modify the prescription, if necessary. The entry of prescriptions and modification of prescriptions can be performed by a provider or a pharmacist P, if appropriate. 
     During the automatic and manual reviews, the electronic medical record  50  for the inmate is reviewed to verify that the inmate is not allergic to any medications, that there will not be a drug—drug interaction based upon all of the prescribed medication that the inmate is taking, and the like, as indicated at step  21  in  FIG. 4 . The results of the automatic review performed using the electronic medical record  50  can be displayed on a pharmacist&#39;s display screen  45 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . When performing the manual review, the pharmacy server  89  causes an output indication, such as shown in  FIG. 14 , to be displayed on the pharmacist&#39;s display screen  45 . The output indication contains all of the relevant information needed to enable the pharmacist P to review all of this information on the pharmacist&#39;s display screen  45 . If all of the information related to an inmate does not fit on a single screen on the pharmacist&#39;s display screen  45 , the pharmacist P has to page forward and review each page of information in order to complete the review process. Access to each inmate&#39;s entire electronic medical record  50  and requiring that each page of information be reviewed decreases the chances of the inmate being prescribed an inappropriate medication. 
     The electronic medical record  50  can contain various types of information related to each inmate. For example, the electronic medical record  50  can include demographic information, vital signs, lab work results, x-rays, medical checkup data, allergies, physical exam results, family history, list of current medications, drug formulary, and the like. Example demographic information about each inmate can include information such as height, weight, birth date, inmate number, and last prison unit in which the inmate has been confined. To ensure that each inmate has an electronic medical record  50 , the electronic medical record  50  can be electronically interconnected so that the electronic medical record  50  is updated when new inmates are enrolled or admitted at the correctional facility, as shown in  FIG. 5 . For example, each evening an enrollment file or data  52  stored on a memory  70  located at a correctional facility unit can be uploaded from the correctional facility admissions computer database to the electronic medical record  50 . This method of interconnecting the enrollment data with the electronic medical record  50  ensures that the electronic medical record  50  has at least a minimal amount of data related to each inmate. Alternatively, a record within the electronic medical record  50  could be created for an inmate once the inmate needs to receive medical attention. As a result of the electronic medical record  50  being updated with enrollment information, access is available to both databases within the same network  66 . The electronic medical record  50  enables the correctional facilities to access data related to each inmate, regardless of which correctional facility is located. 
     Once the electronic medical record  50  has been reviewed, authorization for release of the prescribed medication for the inmate can be performed if the prescribed medication has been verified as suitable for the inmate, as indicated at step  22  in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . The pharmacist P typically authorizes release of the prescribed medication, which indicates that the prescribed medication is safe for the inmate. Once the prescribed medication has been released, a unit packet of the prescribed medication can be labeled for dispensing to the inmate, as indicated at step  24  in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a pharmacy technician PT at the pharmacy technician workstation  58  prints labels on printer  60  for application to the prescribed medication to label the prescribed medication. The pharmacist technician PT can control the labels that are printed to better control the workflow. For example, the pharmacist technician PT can print ten labels and then apply these ten labels to the prescribed medication. 
     The unit packet of the prescribed medication can be delivered to a correctional facility unit that houses the inmate, as indicated at step  26  in  FIG. 4 . Once the prescribed medication is at the correctional facility, the prescribed medication is transferred within the correctional facility unit to administer the prescribed medication to the inmate, as indicated at step  28  in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . The location from which prescribed medication is administered in correctional facilities is often called a “pill window” or medication dispensation workstation  62  that is operated by a technician T, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     When the technician T is ready to dispense medications to an inmate, a computer screen showing all of the prescribed medications to be administered to the inmate, such as shown in  FIG. 17 , can be used to assist the technician T in performing their duties. At the pill window  62 , the technician T physically delivers the prescribed medication to the inmate. A record is formed in the unit server  80  verifying the dispensation of the unit packet of the prescribed medication to the inmate as indicated at step  30  in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . Once the inmate accepts the prescribed medication, a record is formed of the receipt of the prescribed medication by the inmate as indicated at step  32  in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . Once the inmate takes the prescribed medication, a record is also formed verifying whether the inmate took the unit packet of the prescribed medication as indicated as step  34  in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . These records are used to provide verification reports to evidence that the correctional facility at least attempted to provide medical services for the inmate. In most correctional facilities, an armed guard accompanies the inmate and physically verifies that the inmate has taken the medication as prescribed. 
     Correctional facilities typical have a drug formulary  74 , which is a list of drugs that are considered to be safe and effective for patients, as well as cost effective. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the drug formulary  74  is one of the pharmacy databases  54  stored within pharmacy server  89 . The pharmacy databases  54  can be a stand-alone databases or can be contained within or associated with the electronic medical record  50 . Sometimes, more than one drug is safe and works wells in treating a disease in question. When this occurs, the less expensive drug is typically placed on the drug formulary  74  to keep costs down for the correctional facility. In order to ensure that drugs on the drug formulary  74  are used as much as possible, the method for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates and dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities can include the step of comparing the prescribed medication with a formulary of approved medication stored in the computer upon entry of the prescription for the prescribed medication, as illustrated in  FIG. 6  as indicated during step  20  in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . A substitute medication can be recommended if the step of comparing indicates the prescribed medication is not contained with the formulary of approved medication prior to the step of authorizing release of the prescribed medication, as indicated at step  36  in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . 
     Medication Dispensation Workstation 
       FIG. 2  illustrates in more detail the medication dispensation workstation  62 , or pill window, of  FIG. 1 . The workstation  62  that is used to perform the method for computerized monitoring of dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities. Pill windows or medication dispensation workstations  62  at correctional facilities are operated by technicians that dispense pharmaceuticals to inmates, including both prescribed medication and over-the-counter medication. The medication dispensation workstation technician or pill window technician T can review medical data related to each inmate prior to dispensation of the medication to the inmate. For example, the pill window technician T can review the inmate&#39;s electronic medical record and the medical compliance or medical administration record  65  for each patient prescription. The unit server  80  causes an output indication, such as that shown in  FIG. 16 , to be sent to a medication administration display screen  49 , that enables the pill window technician T to view a medical compliance or medical administration record  65  for an inmate. In addition to reviewing data, the pill window technician T has the ability to record the administration of a prescription to a patient, to record administration of medication from floor stock, and to document medication errors, and to record medication waste by utilizing routines stored within the unit server  80 , as indicated in steps  30 ,  32 ,  34  in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . At the medication dispensation workstation  62 , inmates line up to receive their prescribed medication. A medication dispensation workstation  62  technician T operates the medication dispensation workstation  62 . The medication dispensation workstation  62  includes a unit server  80  that operates the computer routines that enable the medication dispensation workstation  62  technician T to monitor the dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities. 
     The method for computerized monitoring of dispensation of prescribed medication can include the steps outlined in the high-level flowchart M shown in  FIG. 7 . The methods of providing computerized monitoring of dispensation of prescribed medication in correctional facilities can include receiving a unit packet of prescribed medication at the correctional facility unit, as described in step  46  in  FIG. 7 . Upon receipt of the unit packet of prescribed medication, the inventory of pharmaceuticals is adjusted, as described in step  48  in  FIG. 7 . Upon receipt of the unit packet of prescribed medication within the correctional facility, the unit packet of prescribed medication can be transferred within the correctional facility to the medication dispensation workstation  62 , as described in step  28  in  FIG. 7 . If desired, a time period in which the prescribed medication is to be dispensed to the inmate can be scheduled in the system  110 , as described in step  29  in  FIG. 7 . 
     Once the inmate is at the medication dispensation workstation  62  to receive the prescribed medication, the identity of the inmate is verified, as described in step  31  in  FIG. 7 . For example, in correctional facilities inmates are often provided with an identification card. A card swiper can be used to read the identification card prior to dispensing the drug to the inmate. If the owner of the identification card does not match with the person that has been prescribed the medication or the inmate at the pill window does not have an identification card, the pill window technician can refuse to dispense the prescribed medication to the inmate. Once the medication dispensation workstation technician physically distributes the prescribed medication to the inmate, a record can be formed in the unit server  80  to be uploaded to the electronic medical record  50 , as indicated as step  30  of  FIG. 7 . A record can then be formed in the unit server  80  indicating whether or not the inmate accepted possession of the prescribed medication, as indicated at step  32  of  FIG. 7 . A record can also be formed indicating whether or not the inmate took or refused to take the prescribed medication, as indicated in step  34  of  FIG. 7 . 
     All embodiments of the present invention including the method for computerized monitoring of dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities can include the step of adding inmate information to the computerized inmate record if information related to the inmate is not already present as indicated at step  33  in  FIG. 7 . For example, if an inmate develops an allergic reaction to a prescribed medication, they can inform the pill window technician T and the pill window technician can input the details surrounding the allergic reaction in the inmate&#39;s electronic medical record  50 . 
     To enable pill window technicians to plan better, a time period in which the prescribed medication is to be dispensed to the inmate can be scheduled in the system  100 , as indicated by step  29  in  FIG. 7 . This enables the pill window technician to determine which inmates will be present at each pill window medicine dispensation time period. 
     Prior to the pill window technicians forming records of dispensation, receipt, and verification that the inmate took the prescribed medication within the medication administration record  65  as indicated in steps  30 ,  32 ,  34  in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , inmates would file grievances against the correctional facilities claiming that the correctional facilities were not providing adequate medical care. By forming compliance records or medication administration records  65  verifying whether the inmate was administered the prescribed medication, correctional facilities can produce sufficient evidence to substantially reduce the number of claims made against them. 
     Some prescribed medication is not required to be taken at the pill window. These types of prescribed medication are referred to as “keep on person” medications. These “keep on person” medications are often not taken as prescribed by the inmate. Periodically, correctional facility officers go through the units and reclaim any unit packets of prescribed medication that have not been opened or disturbed as shown in  FIG. 8 . If there is not a compliance record of the inmate taking the unit packet of prescribed medication, the method for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates in correctional facilities can include the step of subsequently locating the unit packet, as indicated as step  82  in  FIG. 8 . If the unit packets are not suitable for future use, as indicated as step  83  in  FIG. 8 , then the unit packet of prescribed drugs are discarded. If the unit packets are suitable for future use as indicated as step  83  in  FIG. 8 , then the unit packet of prescribed medication can then be returned to a central pharmacy for reclamation, as indicated as step  84  in  FIG. 8 . The inventory of pharmaceuticals can be adjusted accordingly, as indicated as step  86  in  FIG. 8 . 
     As yet another embodiment of the present invention and as shown in  FIG. 2 , a computerized system  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for monitoring dispensation of medication to inmates in correctional facilities in conjunction with an electronic medical record  50  containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history is advantageously provided. The system  110  advantageously includes a medication dispensation workstation  62  including a unit server  80  and a communications network  66 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The medication dispensation workstation  62  is used to enable medication to be dispensed and a medication compliance history or medication administration record  65  to be recorded utilizing computer routines stored on the unit server  80 . The medication dispensation workstation  62  preferably includes a computer memory for medical history to be recorded. The communications network  66  is used to enable the electronic medical record  50 , the pharmacy database  54 , the pharmacist review workstation  56 , the pharmacist technician workstation  58 , and the medication dispensation workstation  62  to communicate with each other. 
     Central Pharmacy 
     As another embodiment of the present invention, a method for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates in correctional facilities is provided, as described in a high-level flowchart I shown in  FIG. 6 . The pharmacy system  120  shown in  FIG. 3  is used to perform the steps required to provide computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates in correctional facilities. The pharmacy system  120  can include a pharmacist review workstation  56 , pharmacy databases  54 , a pharmacy server  89 , a pharmacist technician workstation  58 , and a unit packet sorter  88 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The monitoring of the inventory of pharmaceuticals is provided in conjunction with computer records including an electronic medical record  50  containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history. In order to monitor the inventory of pharmaceuticals, the electronic medical record  50  is reviewed to verify that the prescribed medication is suitable for the inmate, as indicated as step  20  in  FIG. 6 . As indicated previously, the step of reviewing the electronic medical record  50  includes an automatic review performed upon entry of the prescription in the system by utilizing a computer routine stored on the server containing the electronic medical record  50  and a manual review performed by a pharmacist P. Once the prescribed medication has been verified as being suitable for the inmate, the pharmacist P can authorize release of the prescribed medication for the inmate, as described in step  22  in  FIG. 6 . 
     As a part of the pharmacist&#39;s manual review process, the system  120  described herein allows pharmacists P to review patient prescriptions after they are entered into the system  120 . In addition to the prescriptions entered into the system  120 , the pharmacist P can review information related to each inmate, such as a list of pending regular and refill prescriptions for the inmate, a list of medications currently on hold for the inmate, the medication profile for the inmate, the medication history for the inmate, inmate demographic and allergy information, a list of problems associated with each inmate, lab results, records related to compliance or medication administration record  65  with prior prescriptions, and clinical review data for a prescription. Pharmacists P can also view a list of missing medications that are un-reconciled for a particular correctional facility unit or specific shipment. To assist in the prescription process, the pharmacist P also has the ability to request and review prior authorization data for a prescription. 
     Once the pharmacist P authorizes release of the prescribed medication, a pharmacist technician PT can label the prescribed medication for the inmate. Pharmacist technicians PT can print labels for prescribed medication on printer  60  and fill patient prescriptions that have been reviewed by a pharmacist P, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Pharmacist technicians PT can also reprint patient labels for prescribed medication for up to 30 days from the initial fill date. 
     The steps of reviewing prescriptions and printing labels for prescribed medication are performed utilizing desktop applications that are performed using the pharmacist workstation  56  and the pharmacist technician workstation  58 . The pharmacist P reviewing process can consist of approving, holding, discontinuing, discharging, and re-issuing patient prescriptions. Pharmacists P can also initiate interventions and prior authorizations through the reviewing process. The printing steps are performed on printer  60 , which consists of printing and re-printing labels for approved prescribed medication using pharmacist technician workstation  58 . 
     All embodiments of the present invention including the method for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates in correctional facilities can include the step of sorting the unit packets in accordance with a shipping schedule for delivery of the unit packets to each correctional facility after the prescribed medication has been labeled, as indicated as step  38  of  FIG. 6 . The step of sorting can be accomplished with a unit packet sorter  88 , as indicated as step  38  of  FIG. 6 . Unit packet sorter  88  can be a sorter that is capable of sorting the unit packets into waves. A suitable sorter is manufactured by Accusort. Other suitable sorters will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are to be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     Delivery of prescribed medication to correctional facility units are made in accordance with a shipping schedule. The units that are included in each shipment can be configured using the methods and systems described herein. A computer screen that enables users to schedule which correctional unit to be included within each shipment can be used, such as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     All embodiments of the present invention including the method for computerized monitoring of inventory of pharmaceuticals for inmates in correctional facilities can include the step of updating the inventory of pharmaceuticals at the correctional facility in response to the step of delivering the unit packet of the prescribed medication to a correctional facility unit, as indicated as step  48  in  FIG. 7 . 
     Once a prescription for prescribed medication has been deemed acceptable by a pharmacist P for a particular inmate, the prescription can be refilled automatically without the need to review the electronic medical record  50  again, as indicated as step  88  in  FIG. 6 . Authorization to release the prescribed medication is automatically made by the computer without the need of intervention by the pharmacist P. Automatic refilling of prescribed medication enables the correctional facilities to better utilize its limited resources and prevent duplicative work from being performed. 
     To ensure that the prescribed medication is ready for delivery to the facility unit, the methods described herein can also include sorting the unit packets in accordance with a shipping schedule for delivery of the unit packets to each correctional facility, as indicated as step  38  in  FIG. 6 , after the prescribed medication has been labeled. The step of sorting can be accomplished with a unit packet sorter  88 . The pharmacy server  89  can cause an output indication on pharmacy technician workstation display screen  47  for the pharmacy technician PT to be able to select which correctional facilities are to be included within each shipment, as shown in  FIG. 10 . These features enable the pharmacist P and pharmacy technician PT to ensure that all of the unit packets of prescribed medication that are supposed to be sent to a facility unit are ready for shipment. 
     When the unit packets are shipped to a correctional facility unit, a manifest is included with the unit packets to verify what prescribed medication was shipped to a facility unit. The methods of monitoring pharmaceutical invention can include the step of updating the inventory of pharmaceuticals at the correctional facility, as indicated as step  48  in  FIG. 7 , in response to the step of delivering the unit packet of the prescribed medication to a correctional facility unit, as indicated as step  46  in  FIG. 7 . The unit server  80  causes an output indication on medication dispensation workstation display screen  49 , such as shown in  FIG. 15 , for a user to input the list of prescribed medications into the system  100 , thereby updating the pharmaceutical inventory. To input the list, the manifest can be scanned into the system  100 . 
     To improve the fault tolerance associated with the system, the methods described herein can include the step of caching each electronic medical record  50  for each inmate for each prescribed medication scheduled to be shipped within a predefined time period prior to the step of reviewing the electronic medical record  50  as indicted in step  23  in  FIG. 6 . The cache system used in the present invention allows the data needed to perform the reviews for a predetermined time period to be pushed to a pharmacy server  89  where the data remains in local memory until needed. In the event that the network  66  malfunctions, the pharmacist P will be able to continue with their reviews for upcoming shipments without any interruptions in the computerized  100  during the predetermined time period. Caching can also be used for locally storing data related to each label to be printed for each wave scheduled to be shipped within a predetermined time period prior to printing the labels on printer  60 , as indicated in step  25  in  FIG. 6 . 
     To assist in the methods of monitoring the pharmaceutical inventory, prescribed medication can also be reclaimed using the methods and systems described herein. If no record is received of the inmate taking the unit packet of prescribed medication, the prescribed medication can be reclaimed. As described in  FIG. 8 , the methods described herein can include subsequently locating the unit packet in an unbroken or suitable for use state, as indicated at step  82  in  FIG. 8 . If the unit packet of prescribed medication is in an acceptable form, as indicated at step  83  in  FIG. 8 , the unit packet of prescribed medication can be returned to a central pharmacy for reclamation, as indicated at step  84  in  FIG. 8 . Once the drugs are returned to the pharmacy, the inventory of pharmaceuticals can be adjusted accordingly, as indicated at step  86  in  FIG. 8 . 
     According to the present invention, a computer program product  57 , associated with one or more services, operating under the sequence of instructions described below causes steps to be performed to monitor pharmaceutical inventory and monitor dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities. The present invention advantageously includes a program storage device D readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a machine-readable code of program instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps of monitoring pharmaceutical inventory and monitoring of dispensation of prescribed medication to inmates in correctional facilities. The monitoring pharmaceutical inventory and dispensation of prescribed medication is preferably performed in conjunction with the electronic medical record  50  containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history. The method steps of the program instructions in the machine-readable code in the program storage device preferably include reviewing the computerized inmate record and the electronic medical record  50 . Release of the prescribed medication for the inmate is then authorized following review of the inmate record and the inmate&#39;s electronic medical record  50 . A label for the prescribed medication is then printed on printer  60  to place upon a unit packet of the prescribed medication. A record is then formed in the computer verifying the dispensation of the unit packet of the prescribed medication to the inmate, the receipt of the prescribed medication by the inmate, and verifying whether the inmate took the unit packet of the prescribed medication. These records are used to provide verification reports to evidence that the correctional facility at least attempted to provide medical services for the inmate. 
     As another feature of the present invention, a computerized system S for monitoring of pharmaceutical inventory and dispensation of medication to inmates in correctional facilities in conjunction with an electronic medical record  50  containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history is advantageously provided. The system  100  preferably includes a computer memory, and a printer  60  for printing labels for prescribed medication. The system  100  also preferably includes a pharmacy database  54 , a pharmacist review workstation  56 , a pharmacist technician workstation  58 , a medication dispensation workstation  62 , and a communications network  66 . 
     The pharmacy databases  54  are preferably stored in the pharmacy server  89  and is preferably used for storing records related to an inmate&#39;s pharmaceutical history and for storing information related to formulary medications. The pharmacist review workstation  56  is preferably used to enable a pharmacist P to simultaneously review the inmate&#39;s electronic medical record  50  and an inmate&#39;s prescription in the computer memory and upon review of the inmate&#39;s prescription, approve the prescription. The pharmacist technician workstation  58  printer  60  enables pharmacist technicians to print labels with the printer  60  for application to the inmate&#39;s prescribed medication upon command. The medication dispensation workstation  62  enables the prescribed medication to be dispensed and a medication compliance history or medication administration record  65  to be recorded in the unit server  80 . The communications network  66  electronically interconnects the electronic medical record  50 , the pharmacy databases  54 , the pharmacist review workstation  56 , the pharmacist technician workstation  58 , the medication dispensation workstation  62 , the printer  60 , and the computer memory to enable the devices to communicate with each other. 
     As a further aspect of the present invention and as shown in  FIG. 3 , a computerized system  110  for monitoring pharmaceutical inventory in correctional facilities in conjunction with an electronic medical record  50  containing information about an inmate to receive prescribed medication and the inmate&#39;s medical history is advantageously provided. The system  120  preferably includes a computer memory  91  and a printer  60 . The system  120  further includes pharmacy databases  54 , a pharmacy server  89 , a pharmacist review workstation  56 , and a pharmacist technician workstation  58 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
     The pharmacy database  54  is preferably stored in the computer memory of the pharmacy server  89  for maintaining records related to a drug formulary  74  and a pharmaceutical inventory  76 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The pharmacist review workstation  56  is preferably used to enable a pharmacist P to simultaneously review the inmate&#39;s electronic medical record  50  and an inmate&#39;s prescription in the computer memory of the pharmacy server  80  and upon review of the inmate&#39;s prescription, approve the prescription. The pharmacist technician workstation  58  is preferably used to enable pharmacist technicians PT to print labels with the printer  60  for application to the inmate&#39;s prescribed medication upon command. 
     In all embodiments of the computerized system for monitoring pharmaceutical inventories for inmates in correctional facilities, the system  110  can also include pharmacy databases  54 , including a drug formulary  74  and a pharmaceutical inventory  76 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     As used herein, the term correctional facility can be any type of confinement facility, such as state and federal prisons or youth correctional facilities. Examples of correctional facilities include the Texas Youth Commission and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is envisioned that the present invention can also be used in other types of facilities, such as nursing homes, that require both medicinal administration and a tracking mechanism to document whether or not patients have been taking their medicine and as evidence to show that the facility has at least attempted to render proper medical care to the patient. 
     As used herein, the term prescribed medication can be a medication that is prescribed by a provider. The prescribed medication can be either a medication requiring a prescription from a doctor or an over-the-counter medication prescribed by a provider. 
     The invention has been sufficiently described so that a person with average knowledge in the matter may reproduce and obtain the results mentioned in the invention herein. Nonetheless, any skilled person in the field of technique, subject of the invention herein, may carry out modifications not described in the request herein, to apply these modifications to a determined structure, or in the manufacturing process of the same, requires the claimed matter in the following claims; such structures shall be covered within the scope of the invention. 
     It should be noted and understood that there can be improvements and modifications made of the present invention described in detail above without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.