Any changes in directions for use of a medication for which the facility is providing assistance with self-administration of medication must be accompanied by a written medication order issued and signed by the resident’s health care provider.
Unlicensed persons cannot implement any changes without first obtaining a written order. To ease this process, a faxed copy of the order is acceptable.
- Implementing a Change in Medication
- Obtain a copy of the medication order which clearly states the new directions for use from the health care provider.
- Discontinue the previous entry (old directions for use) on the medication observation record on the day the new order was received. Record an entirely new entry, with the new directions for use, on the medication observation record.
- Place an “alert” label on any existing medications for which the directions for use have now been changed or obtain a new medication label with the new directions from the pharmacist. “Alert” labels are used to direct staff to examine the revised directions for use in the medication observation record.
NOTE: LICENSED NURSES MAY TAKE A DOCTOR’S ORDER OVER THE TELEPHONE. HOWEVER, A WRITTEN ORDER MUST STILL BE OBTAINED WITHIN 10 WORKING DAYS
