Evolution of BCMA within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center implemented Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) between 1999 and 2000 in 161 Medical Centers or Health Systems. BCMA has had a major impact on inpatient licensed nursing staff. Nurses have moved from manual to electronic medication documentation, increasing the complexity of medication administration. There has been acceptance of BCMA by the nurses who are able to see the positive benefits and patient safety aspects. A marked decrease in medication administration errors is a result of implementing BCMA.