SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS

During initial assessment the Interdisciplinary Committee must determine whether the resident chooses wishes to self-administer drugs and is capable. If the response is in the negative, the resident has exercised this right and has deferred the responsibility to the facility. If the response is affirmative, the Interdisciplinary Committee must assess the resident's cognitive, physical, visual ability to carry out this responsibility. If the Interdisciplinary Committee determines that the resident is unable to carry out this responsibility (because this would be a danger to the resident or to others), then the Interdisciplinary Committee may withdraw this right.

When residents self-administer drugs:

1. Drug storage will be the responsibility of nursing staff.

2. Nursing staff is responsible to record self-administered drugs.

3. Medical errors, as a result of residents self-administrating drugs, will not be counted in the facility's medication error rate. However, errors shall be documented in the medical record and a follow-up scheduled with the physician.

4. Medication errors will be cause for reevaluation of the resident's self-administration program.

5. Periodic audits will be conducted to determine if the resident is adhering to their self-administration regimen.


Revised: November 1996

NURSING SERVICES - 25-02-004

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