Are Your Med Techs Following the Medication Reading Requirement?
The compliance step you might be overlooking.
When it comes to medication management in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), one critical requirement often gets overlooked: the obligation for unlicensed staff assisting with self-administration of medications to read aloud the name and dosage of medications to residents. This essential step, outlined in Rule 59A-36.008 and Florida Statute 429.256, is designed to enhance safety and prevent errors.
However, during countless mock surveys and real inspections, I’ve seen facilities falter when it comes to this requirement. Whether due to oversight or misunderstanding, skipping this step can put your compliance—and your reputation—at risk.
The Exact Regulation
According to Rule 59A-36.008(3)(b):
“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.”
Similarly, Florida Statute 429.256(3) emphasizes:
“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…”
This means that every time staff assist residents with self-administered medications, they must clearly and audibly inform the resident about the name and dosage of the medication being given.
What I See During Surveys
As someone who has supported ALFs through mock surveys and real inspections, I can tell you this: surveyors are watching closely during medication passes.
One of the most common issues I observe? Med techs skip reading the medication name and dosage aloud to the resident. This often happens unintentionally—perhaps the med tech assumes it’s unnecessary for a cognitively intact resident, or they’re rushing to finish their rounds.
But here’s the truth: even facilities with otherwise excellent compliance records can be flagged if surveyors observe this step being skipped. That’s why it’s critical to ensure your staff fully understand and consistently follow this requirement.
The Importance of Audits
If your facility is not using written waivers for residents to opt out of verbal advisements, I highly recommend conducting regular audits of your medication passes. These audits should focus on:
•Ensuring staff are consistently reading medication names and dosages aloud to residents.
•Identifying areas where training or reminders might be necessary.
•Confirming proper documentation practices.
Regular audits not only keep you compliant but also prepare your staff to confidently handle surveys and inspections.
Navigating the Rule with Written Waivers
For facilities looking to simplify this process, Florida Statute 429.256 allows for the use of written waivers. A resident may opt out of verbal advisements by signing a waiver that:
•Lists all medications, including names and dosages.
•Is updated immediately if there are changes to the resident’s medications or dosages.
Implementing this waiver option ensures compliance while respecting residents’ preferences for independence.
Free Waiver Form for Your Facility
To help you remain compliant with Florida regulations, we’ve included a waiver form template that your facility can use. This form ensures residents who wish to waive verbal advisements can do so properly, giving you peace of mind during surveys.
Here’s a properly structured Medication Waiver Form with the correct regulatory information included:
Medication Name and Dosage Waiver Form
Pursuant to Florida Statute 429.256
Purpose of This Waiver
This form allows the resident to waive the requirement to be orally advised of the name and dosage of their medications during assistance with self-administration, as permitted under Florida Statute 429.256(3).
Acknowledgment and Waiver Statement
I, the undersigned resident, acknowledge the following:
•I have been advised of my right to be orally informed of the name and dosage of each medication administered to me as required by Florida Statute 429.256(3).
•I voluntarily waive this right and opt out of being orally advised of the name and dosage of my medications.
•I understand that I am fully responsible for ensuring my knowledge and understanding of my prescribed medications.
•I also understand that this waiver must be updated immediately if there are any changes to my medications or dosages.
Download Dosage Waiver Form Here
This form can be customized for your facility. Let me know if you’d like it formatted into a PDF or need further customization!