Section 295.5000  Medication Reminders, Supervision of Self-Medication, Medication Administration and Storage

a)         An establishment may provide medication reminders, supervision of self-administered medication, and medication administration as an optional service.

b)         Medication reminders include:

1)         Reminding residents to take pre-dispensed, self-administered medication;

2)         Observing the resident; and

3)         Documenting whether or not the resident took the medication.

c)         Supervision of self-administered medication means assisting the resident with self-administered medication using any combination of the following. Supervision of self-administered medication by unlicensed personnel shall be under the direction of a licensed health care professional.

1)         Reminding residents to take medication;

2)         Confirming that residents have obtained and are taking the dosage as prescribed;

3)         Reading the medication label to residents;

4)         Checking the self-administered medication dosage against the label of the medication;

5)         Opening the medication container for a resident who is physically unable to do so;

6)         Confirming that residents have obtained and are taking the dosage as prescribed; and

7)         Documenting in writing that the resident has taken (or refused to take) the medication.

d)         Medication administration refers to a licensed health care professional employed by an establishment engaging in administering routine insulin and vitamin B-12 injections, oral medications, topical treatments, eye and ear drops, or nitroglycerin patches.  Non-licensed staff may not administer any medication.  (Section 70 of the Act)

e)         Medication stored by a resident in the resident's unit shall be stored and controlled as stated in the resident's service plan and shall be inaccessible to other residents.

f)         If an establishment provides medication administration or supervision of self-administered medication, the establishment's medication policies and procedures shall be approved by a physician, pharmacist, or registered nurse and shall address:

1)         Obtaining and refilling medication;

2)         Storing and controlling medication;

3)         Disposing of medication;

4)         Assisting in the self-administration of medication and medication administration, as applicable; and

5)         Recording of medication assistance provided to residents and maintenance of medication records.

g)         If an establishment provides medication administration or supervision of self-administered medication, a drug reference guide, no older than 2 years from the copyright date, shall be available and accessible for use by employees.

h)         Any medication stored by the establishment shall meet the following requirements:

1)         Medication shall be stored in a locked container, cabinet, or area that is inaccessible to residents;

2)         Medication shall not be left unattended by an employee;

3)         Medication shall be stored in the original labeled container, except for medication organizers, and according to instructions on the medication label;

4)         A bathroom or laundry room shall not be used for medication storage; and

5)         Any expired or discontinued medication, including those of deceased residents, shall be disposed of according to the establishment's medication policies and procedures.

i)          Except for medication organizers, resident medication shall not be pre-poured. Medication organizers may be prepared up to one month in advance by the following individuals:

1)         A resident or the representative;

2)         A resident's relatives;

3)         A nurse; or

4)         As otherwise provided by law.

j)          A separate medication record shall be maintained for each resident receiving medication administration and shall include:

1)         Name of resident;

2)         Name of medication, dosage, directions, and route of administration;

3)         Date and time medication is scheduled to be administered;

4)         Date and time of actual medication administration; and

5)         Signature or initials of the employee administering medication.