Section 16.04.17.302 - AGENCY MEDICATION STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTSThe agency must develop and implement written policy and procedures describing the program's system for handling participant medications.
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.02.Handling of Participant's Medication.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.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.c. The agency is responsible to safeguard the participant's medications when assuming the responsibility for assisting with medications.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.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:a. Understands the purpose of the medication;b. Knows the appropriate dosage and times to take the medication;c. Understands expected effects, adverse reactions or side effects, and action to take in an emergency; andd. Is able to take the medication without assistance.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: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;b. The participant's health condition is stable;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;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;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;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;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.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."Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.04.17.302