Methods and apparatus for dispensing items

A method for dispensing items from a dispensing unit having at least two latchable doors, said method comprising:

• inputting patient identification information into the dispensing unit, wherein all doors initially unlatch as a result of inputting said patient information;
• opening a first door to provide access to an item storage location within the dispensing unit, wherein all other doors latch as a result of opening said first door;
• optionally removing an item from the storage location through the opened first door and inputting item removal information to the dispensing unit;
• and
• closing the first door, wherein all doors unlatch if item removal information was input to the dispensing unit while the first door was open and wherein all doors latch if no item removal information was input to the dispensing unit while the first door was open.

A dispensing unit comprising:

• an enclosure having an interior accessible through a doorway;
• a plurality of storage locations within the interior of the enclosure, each storage location having at least one associated input device adjacent thereto;
• means across the doorway for selectively blocking access to the storage locations while permitting access to the input devices at all times;
• and
• means for opening the blocking means to permit access to a desired storage location selected from the plurality of storage locations in response to actuation of the associated input device(s).