Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 111 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
Chapter 111-8 - HEALTHCARE FACILITY REGULATION
Subject 111-8-1 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ADULT DAY CENTERS
Rule 111-8-1-.19 - Medications

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 111-8-1-.19

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) All medications required by a participant in an adult day center that does not employ a licensed RN, LPN or proxy caregiver shall be self-administered by the participant.

(2) Centers that provide assistance with medication without employing a licensed RN, LPN or proxy caregiver may do so to the following extent:

(a) Staff may remind participants of the time to take medication;

(b) Staff may check the dosage according to the container label; and

(c) Staff may physically assist a participant in opening or pouring the medication.

(3) Adult day centers that employ the services of an RN, LPN or a proxy caregiver may have the RN, LPN or proxy caregiver administer medications provided such medication administration is performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. For proxy caregivers, please review the Rules and Regulations for Proxy Caregivers used in Licensed Healthcare Facilities, Chapter 111-8-100.

(4) The center shall maintain a Medication Assistance Record of all medications, prescription and over-the-counter, that are supervised by staff or administered by RNs, LPNs or proxy caregivers. The Medication Assistance Record must include:

(a) The name of the medication;

(b) Dosage; and

(c) Date, time and signature of the staff person who assists the participant or administers the medications to the participant.

(5) Participants shall have the right to refuse any and all medications. The center's Director or staff providing medication assistance shall report such incidents to the participant's family and/or representative and documented on the Medication Assistance Record. The center shall record each instance of medication refusal by a participant in the participant's individual record and on the Medication Assistance Record.

(6) The center shall have the right to not accept or to discharge a participant who refuses assistance with medications if the center reasonably feels that the participant cannot safely possess and control his/her medications.

(7) All medications in the center shall be stored securely and in a manner to prevent spoilage, dosage errors, administrative errors, and inappropriate access.

A participant may keep possession of medications needed for frequent or emergency use. The center shall store all medications that require refrigeration in a locked container in the refrigerator.

(8) All medications shall be in the original pharmacy-dispensed container with a proper label and directions attached.

(9) Medications by injection, including but not limited to insulin, shall be administered by a nurse or proxy caregiver if the participant is unable to self-administer the medication.

(10) A nurse in an adult day health center shall monitor the medication regimen for all participants. He/she shall:

(a) Evaluate the health status of the participant by identifying symptoms of illness and/or changes in mental and/or physical health status;

(b) Make recommendations to the family or primary health care provider regarding any medication needs or other health needs requiring follow up; and

(c) Follow up on previous recommendations.

(11) At the end of the program day, or when the shift ends, the nurse shall count all controlled substances and sign the controlled substance book. If the nurse on duty at the next shift or at the beginning of the next program day is not present during the above counts, he/she shall count all controlled substances and sign the controlled substance book immediately after beginning the work period. Any discrepancies in count shall be reported immediately to the Director.

(12) Unused or discontinued prescription medications are the property of the participant and shall be given to the participant and/or the representative, whenever possible.

(13) Any unused or discontinued prescription medications that are left with a center shall be disposed in accordance with applicable Georgia laws.

(14) The Director, the activities director or a center nurse must immediately report to the representative any unusual reactions to medications or treatments.

(15) Bio-Medical and Hazardous Waste. The storage and disposal of bio-medical and hazardous wastes must comply with applicable federal, state and local rules and/or standards.

O.C.G.A. § 49-6-81.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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