The Florida Senate

393.506  Administration of medication.--

(1)  Notwithstanding the provisions of part I of chapter 464, the Nurse Practice Act, unlicensed direct care services staff providing services to persons with developmental disabilities may administer oral, transdermal, inhaled, or topical prescription medications as provided in this section.

(a)  For day programs, as defined in s. 393.063, the director of the facility or program shall designate in writing unlicensed direct care services staff who are eligible to be trained to assist in the administration of or to administer medication.

(b)  For intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled licensed pursuant to part XI of chapter 400, unlicensed staff designated by the director may provide medication assistance under the general supervision of a registered nurse licensed pursuant to chapter 464.

(2)  Each facility, institution, or program must include in its policies and procedures a plan for training designated staff to ensure the safe handling, storage, and administration of prescription medication. These policies and procedures must be approved by the agency before unlicensed direct care services staff assist with medication.

(3)  The policies and procedures must include, at a minimum, the following provisions:

(a)  An expressed and informed consent for each client.

(b)  The director of the facility, program, or provider must maintain a copy of the written prescription, and that prescription must include the name of the medication, the dosage and administration schedule, the reason for the prescription, and the termination date.

(c)  Each prescribed medication shall be kept in its original container and in a secure location.

(4)  The training required in this section shall be conducted by a registered nurse or a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459.

History.--s. 1, ch. 2003-57; s. 113, ch. 2004-267.