10A NCAC 70E .1102      MEDICATION

Foster parents are responsible for the following regarding medication:

(1)           General requirements:

(a)           retain the manufacturer's label with expiration dates visible on non-prescription drug containers not dispensed by a pharmacist;

(b)           administer prescription drugs to a child only on the written order of a person authorized by law to prescribe drugs;

(c)           allow prescription medications to be self-administered by children only when authorized in writing by the child's licensed medical provider;

(d)           allow non-prescription medications to be administered to a child taking prescription medications only when authorized by the child's licensed medical provider; allow non-prescription medications to be administered to a child not taking prescription medication, with the authorization of the parents, guardian, legal custodian, or licensed medical provider;

(e)           allow injections to be administered by unlicensed persons who have been trained by a registered nurse, pharmacist, or other person allowed by law to train unlicensed persons to administer injections;

(f)            record in a Medication Administration Record (MAR) provided by the supervising agency all drugs administered to each child. The MAR shall include the following: child's name; name, strength, and quantity of the drug; instructions for administering the drug; date and time the drug is administered, discontinued, or returned to the supervising agency or the person legally authorized to remove the child from foster care; name or initials of person administering or returning the drug; child requests for changes or clarifications concerning medications; and child's refusal of any drug; and

(g)           follow-up for child requests for changes or clarifications concerning medications with an appointment or consultation with a licensed medical provider.

(2)           Medication disposal:

(a)           return prescription medications to the supervising agency or person legally authorized to remove the child from foster care; and

(b)           return discontinued prescription medications to a pharmacy or the supervising agency for disposal, in accordance with 10A NCAC 70G .0510(c).

(3)           Medication storage:

(a)           store prescription and over-the-counter medications in a locked cabinet in a clean, well-lighted, well-ventilated room other than bathrooms, kitchen, or utility room between 59º F (15º C) and 86º F (30º C);

(b)           store medications in a refrigerator, if required, between 36º F (2º C) and 46º F (8º C). If the refrigerator is used for food items, medications shall be kept in a separate, locked compartment or container within the refrigerator; and

(c)           store prescription medications separately for each child.

(4)           Psychotropic medication review:

(a)           arrange for any child receiving psychotropic medications to have his/her drug regimen reviewed by the child's licensed medical provider at least every six months;

(b)           report the findings of the drug regimen review to the supervising agency; and

(c)           document the drug review in the MAR along with any prescribed changes.

(5)           Medication errors:

(a)           report drug administration errors or adverse drug reactions to a licensed medical provider or pharmacist; and

(b)           document the drug administered and the drug reaction in the MAR.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-10.1; 131D-10.3; 131D-10.5; 143B-153;

Eff. September 1, 2007;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2009;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. October 3, 2017.