ARTICLE
QUESTION: For individuals to whom our agency does not administer medications, but are on medications that are managed and administered by the family, should we have a medication administration plan outlining what medications they are on, side effects of the medications, prescribing physician, medication storage, etc.? Does there need to be a side effect monitoring system in place for these individuals? We have received mixed responses from case managers on these questions and would like to know what other agencies are practicing and/or been told. Our agency has a medication administration plan in place that states that the family member provides for all medication administration and list the medications they are prescribed. We will include side effects, because while staff may not administer the medications, they may be present to observe the side effects and would document these as observed and report to the family. *** The BQIS helpline will usually clarify requirements when different case managers require different things. Our agency does not have Medication Administration Plans for individuals only participating in Day Services who live at home with parents who administer all medications. 460 IAC 6-10-7 states that “If a provider administers medication to an individual, the provider for the individual shall implement the medication administration system designed by the individual’s provider responsible for medication administration.” *** The provider needs to know what medications an individual is prescribed, side effects of those medications and the reason for those medications. Unless the provider administers the medications, there is no need for side effect monitoring. *** If a provider is listed as the person responsible for medications and health care, then those are things that need addressed. If the family is listed as the responsible party for medications and health care, the provider would not need to do anything associated with the medications. This information is a compilation of suggestions, ideas, and opinions shared by INARF Members in response to the featured question. This information should not be considered official interpretation or guidance of State or Federal Policy. Additionally, statements within this document do not necessarily reflect an official position or opinion of INARF.
Our agency has a medication administration plan in place that states that the family member provides for all medication administration and list the medications they are prescribed. We will include side effects, because while staff may not administer the medications, they may be present to observe the side effects and would document these as observed and report to the family.
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The BQIS helpline will usually clarify requirements when different case managers require different things. Our agency does not have Medication Administration Plans for individuals only participating in Day Services who live at home with parents who administer all medications. 460 IAC 6-10-7 states that “If a provider administers medication to an individual, the provider for the individual shall implement the medication administration system designed by the individual’s provider responsible for medication administration.”
The provider needs to know what medications an individual is prescribed, side effects of those medications and the reason for those medications. Unless the provider administers the medications, there is no need for side effect monitoring.
If a provider is listed as the person responsible for medications and health care, then those are things that need addressed. If the family is listed as the responsible party for medications and health care, the provider would not need to do anything associated with the medications.