Why is ongoing competency testing important in hazardous drug programs?

• A. To ensure staff maintain skills and SOPs to protect themselves and patients
• B. It is optional
• C. It is used to target budgets
• D. It has no impact

Answer: (A)

Ongoing competency testing keeps hazardous drug practices safe over time by ensuring staff maintain the necessary skills and stay aligned with SOPs. In this field, procedures, devices, and safety guidelines can change, so regular checks confirm that people can perform critical tasks correctly—donning and doffing PPE, safe preparation and handling of hazardous drugs, maintaining aseptic technique when required, managing spills, and properly disposing of waste. When competency is verified repeatedly, drift is detected early, exposures and dosing errors are minimized, and a safer, more accountable culture is supported. It also creates documented proof that training remains current, which is important for regulatory and quality compliance. If testing were considered optional, skills could fade and procedures could be forgotten, increasing risk to both staff and patients.