Claims:We Claim:
1. A method of regulating, controlling and distributing products inside of a store comprising:
a. providing a kiosk having a user interface for receiving identification information from a user;
b. prompting the user to request access to a prescribed regulated product;
c. the kiosk directing communications between a user and a healthcare professional authorized to write prescriptions;
d. delivering a quantity of the regulated product to the user; and
e. configuring the kiosk to also function as a self-checkout register for non-regulated store products.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein, providing an electronic application for requesting permission from the healthcare professional for access to the regulated product.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein, the communications are performed via an telephone.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein, the communications are performed via an Internet connection.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein, authenticating the identification information provided by the user.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein, automatically sending the healthcare professional information regarding the user after authenticating the identification information.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein, prompting the user is performed remotely.
, Description:Technical Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a safe/secure cabinet and system that preferably protects and deters the internal and external threat of theft and robbery, especially useful for controlled and non-controlled pharmaceutical medications and other applications. An embodiment incorporates several technologies to secure, control, electronically inventory and dispense contents of the system.
Background of the Invention
Prior art devices store medication inventory in predetermined quantities. Specific individualized doses for a particular patient cannot be delivered. In many small hospitals, medications are dispensed outside the pharmacy and this is usually done with a medication cabinet that can only dispense what is already pre-prepared by the pharmacy.
Object of the Invention
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a safe for securing and monitoring an inventory of products which includes a product storage area, at least one product dispensing unit, a locking mechanism inhibiting access to products disposed within said safe, and a reporting system which includes a processor executing software stored in a tangible computer-readable medium, the software causing the processor to generate at least one report, and the processor executing the software and maintaining an inventory log of dispensed products and a user's access.
Summary of the Invention
In one embodiment, the reporting system can record one or more of the following: a time when the safe is opened, a time when the safe is closed, a time when a breach in a security feature of the safe occurs, the identity of an individual, and a combination thereof. Optionally, a specific authorization sequence can be required in order to obtain a product stored within the safe. The safe can be compartmentalized into a plurality of areas wherein at least some of the areas are independently lockable. The reporting system can optionally generate a perpetual inventory snapshot. Optionally, the safe can include automated product counting. The safe can also optionally report in real-time.
In one embodiment, the safe can include one or more product back-stock containers. The safe can also optionally include a user-authentication for product dispensing. The safe can further include a user-authentication for product inventory reporting. Optionally, the safe can be caused to dispense a product from an instruction sent from a remote location. Optionally, the safe can be disposed within a nursing area. The safe can also include an adjustable product dispensing time delay. The inventory log can be directly electronically transmittable, and the inventory log can include a perpetual inventory log.
An embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method for dispensing a product and maintaining a product inventory log which method includes providing a safe cabinet, the cabinet capable of storing and dispensing a product; and a computer executing software stored on a tangible computer-readable media wherein the computer maintains an inventory control log for product dispensed from the cabinet and records an identity of a user who accesses the safe cabinet. The computer can cause product to be automatically dispensed from a secure location within the cabinet, which can optionally be in response to data from a prescription being input into the computer. The data can be input into the computer at a location within a same building where the cabinet is disposed, or the data can be input into the computer at a location which is not within a same building wherein the cabinet is disposed. Optionally, the inventory control log can comprise information required by a governmental body which can be required by a governmental regulation. In one embodiment, the cabinet can include a metal enclosure. The software can cause the computer to require an authentication prior to dispensing product. The product dispensed can include a controlled substance. The method can optionally require user authentication prior to dispensing the product.
An embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method for generating an electronic perpetual inventory control log which includes providing a system for dispensing pharmaceutical prescriptions, the system automatically maintaining an electronic perpetual inventory control log. The log can be electronically transmitted to an appropriate governmental body.
Objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention can be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 is a flow chart which illustrates some steps which can occur when a prescription is filled and dispensed.
Detailed Description of Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an intelligent safe and/or secure cabinet which can have a plurality of models of various sizes that contain various numbers of dispensers for a specific number of pharmaceutical narcotic/controlled and/or non-controlled medications for security and for inventory control and logging. The invention can also be used for dispensing other items besides medications, including but not limited to firearms, ordinance, chemicals, substances, biological materials, gems, precious metals, etc. The descriptions to pharmaceuticals and medications as set forth herein are for purposes of illustrating one application of the present invention, however, the invention is not limited to pharmaceuticals and medications and can be used for any item requiring control and/or inventory and/or dispensing and/or security. Embodiments of the present invention reduce and/or prevent access and handling of items thereby reducing the opportunity to divert items. In addition, embodiments of the present invention use dispensing technology to preferably automatically count the items thereby reducing the opportunity for human error. Records and inventory can be kept with regard to each item dispensed. The cabinet comprising the safe can have a time delay on the door and preferably each access is controlled and recorded.
The terms “safe”, “kiosk”, and/or “cabinet”, as used throughout the specification and claims, is intended to include any device, apparatus or structure capable of deterring or otherwise inhibiting, at least partially, access to the contents or items therein by one or more persons. The terms “cabinet”, “kiosk”, and “safe” are used interchangeably throughout the specification and claims. Throughout the specification and claims the safe, kiosk, and/or cabinet preferably comprises an intelligent device with onboard processing and memory capability. The term “intelligent” as used throughout the specification and claims includes but is not limited to the capacity to acquire and apply knowledge and can thus optionally comprise software.
The terms “product”, “item”, and/or “contents” as used throughout the specification and claims includes but is not limited to any physical item or substance that can be offered to a market that might satisfy a want or need. In addition, in some embodiments, the terms “medication(s)” or “pharmaceutical(s)” are used interchangeably with the term “product” or “item”.
The terms “narcotic” and/or “controlled substance” as used throughout the specification and claims are defined by Federal and State regulations and laws. Controlled substance includes Scheduled I-V medications. The term “pharmaceutical formulation” as used throughout the specification and claims includes but is not limited to the specific form of the narcotic/controlled substance e.g. pills and tablets. The term “prescription” as used throughout the specification and claims includes but is not limited to an order to fill and dispense one or more medications.
FIGS. 1 respectively illustrate flow charts according to embodiments of the present invention wherein a prescription is placed and filled, and wherein inventory for a pharmacy is replenished.
KIOSK
One embodiment of the present invention comprises a kiosk that preferably vends various types of over the counter pharmacy and personal health products that tend to be high theft, have an age limitation or must be verified to prevent usage for narcotics manufacturing.