Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and administering medications and issuing medical/surgical supplies using a device communicating with a central database is comprised of the steps of: (a) inputting information about a patient to the device for whom at least one medication may be dispensed and administered; (b) dispensing the at least one medication to the patient by inputting information about the at least one medication to the device; (c) saving the at least one medication to the patient selected; (d) inputting information about a patient to the device for whom at least one medical/surgical supply may be issued; (e) issuing the at least one medical/surgical supply to the patient by inputting information about the at least one medical/surgical supply to the device; and (f) saving the at least one medical/surgical supply to the patient selected. The method may be integrated into various other methods such as methods of restocking.

Abstract: A portable nursing center has a plurality of selectively locked patient drawers carried in a housing. Each of said drawers are movable between a given open position and a closed position each drawer sized and configured for holding pharmaceutical items which have been prescribed for a specific patient. A nurse enters a predetermined access data and other data, using a keyboard or bar code reader which may be removable from the nursing center. Entry of correct data causes the unit to selectively unlock the appropriate patient drawer or on demand drawer while maintaining other drawers in a locked condition. Whenever the patient is given medicine or otherwise treated the nurse enters or receives information pertinent to that treatment. The unit has a transmitter/receiver to transmit and receive such patient information.

Abstract: A portable nursing center has a plurality of selectively locked patient drawers carried in a housing. Each of said drawers are movable between a given open position and a closed position each drawer sized and configured for holding pharmaceutical items which have been prescribed for a specific patient. At least one on demand drawer is also carried by the housing, movable between an open position and a closed position and being sized and configured to hold pharmaceutical and other nursing items used on an as needed basis. A nurse enters a predetermined access data and other data, causing the unit to selectively unlock the appropriate patient drawer or on demand drawer while maintaining other drawers in a locked condition. Whenever the patient is given medicine or otherwise treated the nurse enters or receives information pertinent to that treatment. The unit has a transmitter/receiver to transmit and receive such patient information.