N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:55-7.4

Current through Register Vol. 57, No. 1, January 6, 2025

Section 3A:55-7.4 - Medication other than psychotropic medication

(a) The facility shall administer prescription medication to a child only when the medication is authorized by a physician.

(b) The facility shall limit the dispensing of non-prescription over-the-counter medication to the following types, which shall be dispensed in accordance with the recommended dosage, age or weight of the child, as indicated on the label:

1. Antihistamines or decongestants;

2. Acetaminophens (or other age-approved aspirin substitutes);

3. Cough suppressants; and

4. Topical ointments.

(c) The facility may permit the dispensing of non-prescription medication other than those listed in (b) above if the child's physician authorizes it in writing.

(d) The facility shall maintain a medication log book that contains the following information:

1. The name of the child receiving medication, whether prescription or non-prescription;

2. The type of medication, dosage, and intervals between dosages;

3. What to do if a dosage is missed;

4. The reason for the medication;

5. The date and time the medication was administered;

6. Possible side effects of the medication, if any; and

7. The signature and title of the staff member dispensing the medication.

(e) The facility shall encourage the self-administration of medication by properly trained and supervised children whenever their intellectual, emotional and physical capabilities make such practice appropriate and feasible. This shall be documented in each child's treatment plan.

(f) The facility shall ensure that the following procedures for storage of medication are followed:

1. The facility shall keep all prescription and non-prescription medication in a locked cabinet or container, or, as needed, in a locked box in a refrigerator. The facility shall ensure that the keys to the locked cabinets, containers and locked boxes are adequately safeguarded and maintained by staff members and are kept out of reach of children;

2. All outdated stocks and prescriptions no longer in use shall be disposed of safely as follows:

i. Liquid medication shall be poured down the drain, the bottles rinsed out and then disposed of in the trash; and

ii. Pills, tablets, and capsules shall be disposed of pursuant to law;

3. The telephone number of the regional poison control center shall be posted at all medication-dispensing stations and by each telephone; and

4. Staff members shall have access to medical supplies at all times.

(g) In situations where the facility determines that an adolescent is capable of self-administration of prescription birth control-related supplies, the facility may allow the adolescent to maintain such supplies amongst her personal possessions, so long as the facility:

1. Provides a locked cabinet or box for storage; and

2. Documents in the treatment plan the rationale and arrangements for the adolescent to maintain prescription birth control-related supplies.

N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:55-7.4

Administrative Change, 49 N.J.R. 98a.

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 285(a), effective 1/16/2018