Physicians employed/contracted by Community Care who prescribe/oversee
medications are required to be board-certified general psychiatrists or other qualified� health
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