What is a required component of the pharmacy reference library for managing poison control?

A readily accessible telephone number for the poison control center is a vital component of the pharmacy reference library dedicated to managing poison control. This contact is essential because, in the event of a poisoning incident, immediate access to the poison control center can be critical for providing timely and appropriate recommendations for treatment and management. The poison control center can provide expert advice on the severity of the exposure and necessary immediate actions to take, which can significantly affect patient outcomes.

While the other components might be useful in broader clinical settings, they are not specifically required for poison control management. For instance, although a list of local emergency rooms can be helpful in an emergency, it does not directly address poison control needs. Similarly, knowing patient allergies and having information about over-the-counter medications are important for general pharmacy practice but are not specifically outlined as essential for addressing poison control situations. Hence, having the poison control center's telephone number readily available ensures quick access to expert assistance when it is most needed.