Guidelines For The Administration Of Medications
In Michigan Assisted Living Facilities*

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction

1. What is an assisted living facility?
2. Why are guidelines for medication administration needed?
3. Who should use these guidelines?

II. Who can administer medications in an assisted living facility?

1. General philosophy
2. Levels of care guidelines
3. The role of registered nurses
4. The role of licensed practical nurse
5. The role of unlicensed staff

III. Policy Recommendations

1. Self administration of medications
2. Use of unlicensed staff to administer medications
3. Physician orders / prescriptions in facilities where staff administer medications
4. Packaging and labeling
5. Medication back up boxes
6. Emergency medication systems
7. Medication storage
8. Medication administration
9. Leave of absence
10. Documentation of administration
11. Medication references
12. Medication errors
13. Discontinued medications
14. Staff training

IV. Clinical Record Requirements

V. Training Requirements

1. Outline of training content
2. Resources available to meet curriculum requirements

VI. Appendix

1. Types of assisted living facilities in Michigan
2. Legal definition of nursing
3. Continuous nursing care

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The following task force members contributed their time and expertise in the development and review of this document: Janice Pettengill RN, BS, MA, Chairperson; Jan Coye PhD, RN; Sharon Deuell RN, BS, MS; Karen K. Frazier RN, NHA; Mary Beth Kaiser RNC, BS, CRNH; Ann Gregor RPh; Marsha Harrison RN, MSNC; Nancy Lopiccolo RN; Judy Neblock, RN

*Adopted by the Michigan Nurses Association 2002 House of Delegates

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