Title Medication – Self Administered Medications
Statute or Rule 429.256(2) FS;58A-5.0185(1) FAC
429.256(2)
Residents who are capable of self-administering their own medications without assistance shall be encouraged and allowed to do so. However, an unlicensed person may, consistent with a dispensed prescription ‘ s label or the package directions of an over-the-counter medication, assist a resident whose condition is medically stable with the self-administration of routine, regularly scheduled medications that are intended to be self-administered. Assistance with self-medication by an unlicensed person may occur only upon a documented request by, and the written informed consent of, a resident or the resident ‘ s surrogate, guardian, or attorney in fact. For the purposes of this section, self-administered medications include both legend and over-the-counter oral dosage forms, topical dosage forms and topical ophthalmic, otic, and nasal dosage forms including solutions, suspensions, sprays, and inhalers.
58A-5.0185(1)
Pursuant to Sections 429.255 and 429.256, F.S., and this rule, licensed facilities may assist with the self-administration or administration of medications to residents in a facility. A resident may not be compelled to take medications but maybe counseled in accordance with this rule.
(1) SELF ADMINISTERED MEDICATIONS.
(a) Residents who are capable of self-administering their medications without assistance must be encouraged and allowed to do so.
(b) If facility staff observes health changes that could reasonably be attributed to the improper self-administration of medication, staff must consult with the resident concerning any problems the resident may be experiencing in self-administering the medications. The consultation should describe the services offered by the facility that aid the resident with medication administration through the use of a pill organizer, through providing assistance with self-administration of medications, or through administering medications. The facility must contact the resident ‘ s health care provider when observable health changes occur that may be attributed to the resident ‘ s medications. The facility must document such contacts in the resident ‘ s records.