Medication - Assistance with Self-Admin

How AHCA classifies it

Florida classifies each deficiency under section 429.19, Florida Statutes: Class I (imminent danger), Class II (direct threat), Class III (indirect or potential threat) and Class IV (minor, paperwork-level). Class III is by far the most common.

Where it is cited

What the requirement says

AHCA’s requirement text as it appears on the inspection report, verbatim.

429.256 (3) Assistance with self-administration of medication includes: (a) Taking the medication, in its previously dispensed, properly labeled container, from where it is stored, and bringing it to the resident. For purposes of this paragraph, an insulin syringe that is prefilled with the proper dosage by a pharmacist and an insulin pen that is prefilled by the manufacturer are considered medications in previously dispensed, properly labeled containers. (b) In the presence of the resident, confirming that the medication is intended for that resident, orally advising the resident of the medication name and dosage, opening the container, removing a prescribed amount of medication from the container, and closing the container. The resident may sign a written waiver to opt out of being orally advised of the medication name and dosage. The waiver must identify all of the medications intended for the resident, including names and dosages of such medications, and must immediately be updated each time the resident's medications or dosages change. (c) Placing an oral dosage in the resident's hand or placing the dosage in another container and helping the resident by lifting the container to his or her mouth. (d) Applying topical medications. (e) Returning the medication container to proper storage. (f) Keeping a record of when a resident receives assistance with self-administration under this section. (g) Assisting with the use of a nebulizer, including removing the cap of a nebulizer, opening the unit dose of nebulizer solution, and pouring the prescribed premeasured dose of medication into the dispensing cup of the nebulizer. (4) Assistance with self-administration of medication does not include: (a) Mixing, compounding, converting, or calculating medication doses, except for measuring a prescribed amount of liquid medication or breaking a scored tablet or crushing a tablet as prescribed. (b) The preparation of syringes for injection or the administration of medications by any injectable route. (c) Administration of medications by way of a tube inserted in a cavity of the body. (d) Administration of parenteral preparations. (e) The use of irrigations or debriding agents used in the treatment of a skin condition. (f) Assisting with rectal, urethral, or vaginal preparations. (g) Assisting with medications ordered by the physician or health care professional with prescriptive authority to be given "as needed," unless the order is written with specific parameters that preclude independent judgment on the part of the unlicensed person, and the resident requesting the medication is aware of his or her need for the medication and understands the purpose for taking the medication. (h) Medications for which the time of administration, the amount, the strength of dosage, the method of administration, or the reason for administration requires judgment or discretion on the part of the unlicensed person. (5) Assistance with the self-administration of medication by an unlicensed person as described in this section shall not be considered administration as defined in s. 465.003. 59A-36.008 (3) ASSISTANCE WITH SELF-ADMINISTRATION. (a) Any unlicensed person providing assistance with self-administration of medication must be 18 years of age or older, trained to assist with self administered medication pursuant to the training requirements of Rule 59A-36.011, F.A.C., and must be available to assist residents with self-administered medications in accordance with procedures described in Section 429.256, F.S. and this rule. (b) In addition to the specifications of Section 429.256(3), F.S., assistance with self-administration of medication includes, orally advising the resident of the name and dosage of the medication and verbally prompting a resident to take medications as prescribed. (c) In order to facilitate assistance with self-administration, trained staff may prepare and make available such items as water, ju