Medication dispensing apparatus override check and communication system

A method of dispensing a medication to a patient when the medication has not been reviewed against the patient's medication profile, comprising:

• logging onto a computer controlled dispensing device;
• identifying a patient;
• identifying a medication to dispense in an override mode;
• receiving an exception from the user after a medication is identified;
• and
• when the exception is an approved exception, dispensing the medication.

A computer readable medium encoded with a computer program which, when executed, performs a method comprising:

• receiving information identifying a user;
• comparing the received information to stored information about the user;
• receiving information identifying a patient;
• receiving information identifying a medication to dispense;
• prompting the user to enter an exception when the medication to be dispensed has not been reviewed against the patient's medication profile;
• and
• dispensing the medication when the exception is an approved exception.

A computer readable medium encoded with a computer program which, when executed, performs a method comprising:

• receiving information identifying a user;
• comparing the received information to stored information about the user;
• receiving information identifying a patient;
• displaying a medication profile for the identified patient;
• receiving information identifying a dispensing mode in which medications other than those listed on the profile may be dispensed;
• displaying a list of medications available for dispensing;
• receiving information identifying a medication to dispense;
• prompting the user to enter an exception after receiving information identifying a medication;
• and
• dispensing the medication when the exception meets approved criteria.