Current through August 31, 2023
The agency must develop and implement written policy and
procedures describing the program's system for handling participant
medications. (3-17-22)
01.
Medication Policy. Each agency must develop written medication policies
and procedures that outline in detail how the agency will ensure appropriate
handling and safeguarding of medications. An agency that chooses to assist
participants with medications to include PRN medications must also develop
specific policies and procedures to ensure this assistance is safe and is
delivered by qualified, fully-trained staff. Documentation of training must be
maintained in the staff personnel record. (3-17-22)
02.
Handling of Participant's
Medication. (3-17-22)
a. The medication
must be in the original pharmacy-dispensed container, or in an original
over-the- counter container, or placed in a unit container by a licensed nurse
and be appropriately labeled with the name of the medication, dosage, time to
be taken, route of administration, and any special instructions. Each
medication must be packaged separately, unless in a Mediset, blister pack, or
similar system. (3-17-22)
b.
Evidence of the written order for the medication from the physician or other
practitioner of the healing arts must be maintained in the participant's
record. Medisets, blister pack, or similar system filled and labeled by a
pharmacist or licensed nurse can serve as written evidence of the order. An
original prescription bottle labeled by a pharmacist describing the order and
instructions for use can also serve as written evidence of an order from the
physician or other practitioner of the healing arts. (3-17-22)
c. The agency is responsible to safeguard the
participant's medications when assuming the responsibility for assisting with
medications. (3-17-22)
d.
Medications that are expired or no longer used by the participant must not be
retained by the agency or agency staff for longer than thirty (30) calendar
days. (3-17-22)
03.
Self-Administration of Medication. When the participant is
responsible for administering their own medication without assistance, a
written approval stating that the participant is capable of self-administration
must be obtained from the participant's primary physician or other practitioner
of the healing arts. The participant's record must also include documentation
that a physician or other practitioner of the healing arts, or a licensed nurse
has evaluated the participant's ability to self-administer medication and has
found that the participant: (3-17-22)
a.
Understands the purpose of the medication; (3-17-22)
b. Knows the appropriate dosage and times to
take the medication; (3-17-22)
c.
Understands expected effects, adverse reactions or side effects, and action to
take in an emergency; and (3-17-22)
d. Is able to take the medication without
assistance. (3-17-22)
04.
Assistance with Medication. An agency may choose to assist
participants with medications; however, only a licensed nurse or other licensed
health professional may administer medications. Prior to unlicensed agency
staff assisting participants with medication, the following conditions must be
in place: (3-17-22)
a. Each staff person
assisting with participant medications must successfully complete and follow
the "Assistance with Medications" course available through the Idaho Division
of Career-Technical Education, or other Department-approved training;
(3-17-22)
b. The participant's
health condition is stable; (3-17-22)
c. The participant's health status does not
require nursing assessment, as outlined in IDAPA 24.34.01, "Rules for the Idaho
Board of Nursing," before receiving the medication or nursing assessment of the
therapeutic or side effects after the medication is taken; (3-17-22)
d. The medication is in the original
pharmacy-dispensed container with proper label and directions, or in an
original over-the-counter container, or the medication has been placed in a
unit container by a licensed nurse. Proper measuring devices must be available
for liquid medication that is poured from a pharmacy-dispensed container;
(3-17-22)
e. Written and oral
instructions from a licensed physician or other practitioner of the healing
arts, pharmacist, or nurse concerning the reason(s) for the medication, the
dosage, expected effects, adverse reactions or side effects, and action to take
in an emergency have been reviewed by the staff person; (3-17-22)
f. Written instructions are in place that
outline required documentation of assistance and who to call if any doses are
not taken, overdoses occur, or actual or potential side effects are observed;
(3-17-22)
g. Procedures for
disposal or destruction of medications must be documented and consistent with
procedures outlined in the "Assistance with Medications" course or local
medication destruction programs. (3-17-22)
05.
Administration of
Medications. Only a licensed nurse or another licensed health
professional working within the scope of their license may administer
medications. Administration of medications must comply with IDAPA 24.34.01,
"Rules of the Idaho Board of Nursing." (3-17-22)
