Section 2800.181. Self-administration

(a) A residence shall provide residents with assistance, as needed, with medication prescribed for the resident’s self-administration. This assistance includes helping the resident to remember the schedule for taking the medication, storing the medication in a secure place and offering the resident the medication at the prescribed times.

(b) If assistance includes helping the resident to remember the schedule for taking the medication, the resident shall be reminded of the prescribed schedule. Appropriate cueing shall be used to remind residents to take their medication.

(c) The resident’s assessment shall identify if the resident is able to self-administer medications as specified in § 2800.227(e) (relating to development of the final support plan). A resident who desires to self-administer medications shall be assessed by a physician, physician’s assistant or certified registered nurse practitioner regarding the ability to self-administer and the need for medication reminders.

(d) If the resident does not need assistance with medication, medication may be stored in a resident’s living unit for self-administration. Medications stored in the resident’s living unit shall be kept in a safe and secure location to protect against contamination, spillage and theft. The residence shall provide a lockable storage unit for this purpose.

(e) To be considered capable to self-administer medications, a resident shall:

(1) Be able to recognize and distinguish his medication.

(2) Know how much medication is to be taken.

(3) Know when medication is to be taken.

(f) The resident’s record shall include a current list of prescription, CAM and OTC medications for each resident who is self-administering his medication.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 55 Pa. Code § 2800.182 (relating to medication administration); and 55 Pa. Code § 2800.220 (relating to service provision).