Hospitals across the country are in the process of determining how they will address the facility requirements contained in the latest model standards released by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulating Authorities (NAPRA). The new requirements apply to both Sterile Compounding and Hazardous Compounding facilities and introduce the requirement to meet cleanroom construction and operation standards for the facility.

Specific design challenges for hospitals include: how to upgrade existing facilities while maintaining services, ensuring the existing building services could support the rooms, and optimizing the design for process flow and productivity while keeping staff and patients safe. Cleanrooms require sophisticated wall construction and HVAC which can be a challenge to implement in some areas. Available cooling, power, and floor-to-ceiling space can be big factors in determining the location of these pharmacies. Similarly, hazardous compounding suites must be vented directly outdoors and incorporate proper exhaust clearances and dilution.