Patent ID: 7349858

Claim:
A method comprising: (a) storing in a data store in operative connection with a computer, data representative of a plurality of patients for whom medical items may be used; (b) storing in the data store, data representative of a plurality of medical items prescribed for use by corresponding patients; (c) storing in the data store, data representative of a plurality of authorized users; (d) inputting to the computer, user data; (e) comparing the input user data to the data stored concerning authorized users and determining that the input user data corresponds to one authorized user; (f) inputting to the computer, data corresponding to one of the plurality of patients; (g) inputting to the computer, data corresponding to at least one medical item prescribed for the one patient; (h) responsive to the determination that the input user data corresponds to one authorized user, dispensing the at least one medical item from a medical item dispenser responsive to reading machine readable indicia on a report in step (g); and (i) storing in the data store data representative that the at least one medical item has been taken by the one authorized user.