Policy Manual

 
  3.MEP.34  

Treatment Foster Care Administration, Storage, and Transportation of Medications.      

Type: Procedure                 Category: Service Delivery                 Level: Community Care 

Parties: Community Care Employees and Contractees of TFC program

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Supporting References: COA Standard RPM 3: Medication Control and Administration; MH Core Regulations MED 1-13; Rules Providing for the Licensing of Family Foster Homes 9.G.5.; Community Care Emergency Pager Procedure

Parent Effective Date Approval Level Revision Dates Last Reviewed
N/A  1-1-2004  Management Team  11/95,5/97,1/99,1/01,7/01,11/02, 2/03, 1/09  1-1-2009
Related Document Code Related Document Name Type
3.ME.30 Continuation of Services When Benefits Have Ended Policy

Procedure:  .

1. Information regarding all prescribed medications will be documented in the client case record on the Consent to Medication Form. This information will include the prescribing doctor's name, name of the medication, dosage, frequency, purpose for prescription, common risks, common benefits, possible alternative treatment(s), and administration instructions. This document must be signed by the client if over 14 years of age and the legal guardian prior to the administration of medications. This includes prescribed medications that the client brings with them to the foster home. If the guardian is not available to sign the consent to medication form, a verbal consent to administer prescribed medication is acceptable for up to 24 hrs.

2. When a client is prescribed a medication, when a current medication changes dosage or frequency, or when a medication is discontinued, the Case Coordinator or their designee must record this on the Medication Tracking Log.

3. Administration of medication will be documented on the Foster/Respite Parent Weekly Report forms.

4. Prescribed medications will be securely stored in their original containers and labeled with the client's name, date, medication name, administering instructions, expiration date, and physician's name.

5. All employees and contractees are responsible for knowing the common risks and benefits, and for documenting observed side effects and/or benefits of the medication being administered to the clients they serve on the appropriate form.

6. Employees and/or contractees will report observed or stated drug reactions, medication errors,other concerns, and/or questions to the prescribing physician and their supervisor or to the emergency pager. Medication errors include omission and commission errors. Employees and/or contractees will complete a Critical Incident Report Form for all such situations.

7. Once received, a prescription is in effect until a stop order to discontinue medication is issued or the medication expires. Three consecutive refusals to take a prescribed medication by a child that is 14 years of age or older is considered revoked consent. If this occurs, the employee and/or contractee will complete the Critical Incident Report Form, notify the guardian, prescribing doctor, and the TCS or emergency pager if after regular business hours.

8. When transporting medication, each medication label must include the client's name, name and dosage of medication, name of prescribing doctor, and expiration date. When a client and medication are being transported in the same vehicle, the client�s medication must be stored in a locked container, which is then locked in the vehicle�s glove compartment or trunk.

9. A record of all appointments for review of medications, unscheduled medication reviews, or cancelled medications reviews will be recorded on the Medical, Dental, Eye Exam Log and maintained in the case record by the Case Coordinator or designee.

10. Disposal of medications will be in accordance with Community Care's procedure for disposing of prescribed medications.

11. Client complaints regarding the availability or accessibility of the prescribing doctor will be documented on the appropriate grievance form. Submitted grievance forms will follow Community Care's grievance policy and procedure.