Assistance with Self-Administered Medication and Medication Reminders
Sets the three levels of medication help in this Agency: a verbal reminder by homemakers and companions; assistance with self-administered medication by trained home health aides and CNAs of a licensed agency, only for a medically stable client, after RN review and reconciliation and with a documented request and written informed consent; and medication administration, which the Agency never does. Lists exactly what assistance includes and excludes, the steps for each dose, recording, refusals and errors.
About this policy
- Policy number
- FL-HC-SVC-05
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- s. 400.488, F.S.
- Library
- Florida home care · 50 policies
- Category
- Clinical tasks
- Sections
- 20
In short
- Homemakers and companions may only say "it is time for your medicine" when asked. Never touch, open or hand over medicine.
- Aides and CNAs help with medicine only after the RN review, the client's signed consent, and your 2-hour training.
- Help only with medicines on your assignment, in the labeled pharmacy container. Check the name, medicine, amount and time every time.
- Never help with injections, pill organizers or controlled medicines. Help with "as needed" medicine only if the RN wrote that you may.
- Record each dose right after the client takes it. Call the RN at once about refusals, mistakes or reactions, and call 911 if the client cannot breathe.
What's inside
20 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (s. 400.488, F.S.)
- 5. Level 1: Verbal Reminders
- 6. Level 2: Conditions Before Assistance Begins
- 7. What Assistance Includes
- 8. What Assistance Does Not Include
- 9. Steps for Each Assistance
- 10. Other Tasks Under s. 400.488(6)
- 11. Refusals, Missed Doses, Errors and Reactions
- 12. Medication Changes, Storage and Disposal
- 13. Responsibilities
- 14. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 15. Staff Training
- 16. References
- 17. Related Policies and Forms
- 18. Approval
- 19. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- Show me the client's written request and consent for medication assistance.
- When did the RN review and reconcile this client's medications?
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