N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43J-9.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 8:43J-9.2 - Medication administration policies and procedures

(a) Registered professional nurses or licensed practical nurses acting under direction pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:23-11b and, as applicable, delegation in accordance with 13:37-6.2, shall accurately administer medications and shall ensure that the right medication is administered to the right child in the right dose through the right route of administration at the right time only upon a written order from the child's primary health care provider, except that verbal or telephone medication orders may be taken if:

1. The facility has defined in the facility's policies and procedures when verbal or telephone orders may be accepted by a registered professional nurse acting within his or her authorized scope of practice who shall write the order into the child's medical record; and

2. The facility ensures that, within 72 hours, the order is:

i. Countersigned by the prescriber; or

ii. Documented by the original written order or a plain-paper (non-thermal paper) faxed copy.

(b) The facility shall establish a system of medication administration, which includes:

1. Removing an individual dose from a previously dispensed, properly labeled container (including a unit dose container);

2. Verifying it with the prescriber's orders;

3. Giving the individual dose to the child;

4. Observing that the medication is taken; and

5. Recording the required information, including the method of administration.

(c) The facility shall establish a system to accurately identify a child before any medication is administered.

(d) Medication errors and adverse reactions shall be reported immediately upon discovery to the nursing director.

1. The nursing director shall:

i. Immediately notify the child's primary health care provider of the medication error or adverse reaction;

ii. Enter a description of the medication error or adverse reaction into the child's medical record;

iii. Notify the child's parent; and

iv. If the event was a medication error that originated in the pharmacy, notify the pharmacy.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43J-9.2