Assistance with Self-Administered Medication Policy

 

Clients who are capable of self-administering their own medications without assistance are encouraged and allowed to do so.

Clients who are unable to administer their own medications may receive assistance with self-administered medication(s) by an unlicensed caregiver. An unlicensed caregiver means an individual not currently licensed to practice nursing or medicine who is under contract as an independent contractor and/or employee, who has received training with respect to assisting with the self-administration of medication.

Home health aides and certified nursing assistants are unlicensed caregivers.

Self-administrated medications include both legend and over the counter oral dosage forms, topical (skin) dosage forms and topical ophthalmic (eye), otic (ear), and nasal (nose) dosage forms, including solutions, suspensions, sprays, and inhalers.

Supervision of self-administered medication in the home is limited to the following:

  • Obtaining the medication container from the storage area for the patient or client.
  • Ensuring that the medication is prescribed for the patient or client.
  • Reminding the patient or client that it is time to take the medication as prescribed.
  • Observing the patient or client self-administering the medication.

Assistance with self-administration of medication includes:

  • Taking the medication, in its previously dispensed, properly labeled container, from where it is stored and bringing it to the patient.
  • In the presence of the patient, reading the label, opening the container, removing a prescribed amount of medication from the container, and closing the container.
  • Placing an oral dosage in the patient's hand or placing the dosage in another container and helping the patient by lifting the container to his or her mouth.
  • Applying topical medications.
  • Returning the medication container to proper storage.
  • Keeping a record of when a patient receives assistance with self-administration.
  • Preparing necessary items such as juice, water, cups, or spoons to assist the patient in the self-administration of medication.
  • Opening and closing the medication container or tear the foil of prepackaged medications.
  • The steadying of the arm, hand, or other parts of the patient's body so as to allow the self-administration of medication.
  • Placing unused doses of solid medication back into the medication container.

Assistance With Self-Administration Does Not Include: 

  1. Mixing, compounding, converting, or calculating provisions.
  2. The preparation of syringes for injection (such as insulin) or the administration of medications by injectable route.
  3. Administration of medications through intermittent positive pressure breathing machines or a nebulizer.
  4. Administration of medications by way of a tube inserted in a cavity of the body (vagina, rectum).
  5. Administration of parenteral preparations.
  6. Irrigations for debriding agents used in the treatment of a skin condition like pressure sores, ulcers, etc.
  7. Rectal, urethral, or vaginal preparations.
  8. Medications ordered by the physician or health care professional with prescriptive authority to be given "as needed", unless the order is written with specific parameters that preclude independent judgment on the part of the unlicensed person, and at the request of a competent patient.
  9. Medication for which the time of administration, the amount, the strength of dosage, the method of administration, or the reason for administration requires judgment or discretion on the part of the unlicensed person.

In Conclusion:

  • Because some medications can cause problems with constipation and dehydration, providing adequate amounts of fluid is often essential.
  • Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommendations for fluid intake with certain medications and follow them. The same is true when giving medications that must be taken with food.

Important:  As an unlicensed caregiver, I understand that I cannot administer medication beyond my scope of practice. I will comply with the Florida law by not performing 1-9 as outlined above.

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Document name: Assistance with Self-Administered Medication Policy
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June 28, 2021 10:27 am EDTAssistance with Self-Administered Medication Policy Uploaded by Zan Jones - abilityhomecarehr@gmail.com IP 162.239.100.54
August 2, 2021 2:51 pm EDTAbility Homecare - abilityhomecarehr@gmail.com added by Zan Jones - abilityhomecarehr@gmail.com as a CC'd Recipient Ip: 162.239.100.54
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