Policy Manual

 
  3.MEP.30  

Prescribing/Overseeing Medications      

Type: Procedure                 Category: Service Delivery                 Level: Community Care 

Parties: Community Care Employees and/or Contractees

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Supporting References: COA Standards RPM 3.02, CR 1.07, MH 7; MH MED 1-13: Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services: Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who are Children in Need of Treatment. B.IV.; Psychiatric and Medical Care and Support

Parent Effective Date Approval Level Revision Dates Last Reviewed
N/A  6-19-2003  Management Team  1/04, 10/08  10-1-2008
Related Document Code Related Document Name Type
3.ME.14 Medication Policy

Procedure:  .

Physicians employed/contracted by Community Care who prescribe/oversee medications are required to be board-certified general psychiatrists or other qualifiedhealth practitioners (ex. Nurse Practitioner)

1. The prescribing physician will provide a written prescription along with an outline of expected benefits, risks, and alternatives. The physician will write, sign, date, and specify duration of medication orders. Prescriptions shall be time limited, not to exceed ninety (90) days, and, when clinically indicated, less than 90 days for controlled substances.

2. Prior to prescribing medications, the physician will inform the client and/or legal guardian of the rationale for the prescription. The client and/or guardian will provide informed consent in accordance with the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services for the administration of psychotropic medication Clients 14 years of age or older must provide informed consent. No medications will be prescribed or administered without the written informed consent of the client and/or legal guardian. This consent will be documented in the client record.

3. The physician will notify the client and/or guardian of common adverse effects of the prescribed medication and where appropriate, will provide literature concerning the medication's known side effects. The physician will document the purpose, common adverse effects, and precautions associated with the medication. The physician will also provide such information to the Community Care provider or designee.

4. Physicians overseeing psychotropic medications will review medications at least every 30 days for clients in inpatient and residential programs, and at least every 90 days for clients in outpatient programs unless otherwise indicated.

5. Physicians overseeing medications will use medication profiles, behavior observations documented by employees and/or contractees, medication reviews, reports of observations from family or significant others, client self-reports, and any medical tests that are required to determine the impact of medications on the persons served.

6. Orders to discontinue a medication must be given by the prescribing physician and documented in the client's case record