Who is accountable for administering medicines

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Printable version Share. Last reviewed 8 July Martin Hodgson discusses the new guidance that has been published by the Department of Health on the administration of prescribed medicines by care assistants in care homes. The legal basis for medicines administration by care assistants The guidance starts by clarifying the legal background in this area. The role of the registered nurse Registered nurses in care homes with nursing have a key role regarding the management and administration of medication.

Staff training and competence Care assistants undertaking the role of medicine administration must be appropriately trained and competent. It states that, as a minimum, training should cover: the supply, storage and disposal of medicines the safe administration of medicines quality assurance and record-keeping accountability, responsibility and confidentiality.

Training should highlight issues which are commonly associated with medication administration errors, such as: administering and managing inhalers and liquid medicines are much more likely to give rise to medication errors than tablets or capsules antibiotic administration may be particularly prone to error with doses being missed over the course of treatment allergy and drug sensitivities should be checked prior to administration of medicines medication administration errors are more common in the morning interruptions during the preparation and administration of medicines are associated with medication errors.

The self-management of medicines in care homes The new Department of Health guidance also includes further advice on the rights of care home residents to manage their own medication and drugs. Features Sleep-in carers not entitled to NMW whilst asleep — case details. The Covid effect on long-term reform in adult social care. Designated accommodation for service users with Covid CQC: new approach to regulation. Return of face-to-face visits in care homes and the impact on service users. Questions and Answers National overprescribing review report.

Promoting an open safeguarding culture. Human Medicines Regulations Geriatrics , 5, 9. The Consumer Protection Act Equality Act guidance. Equality Act Human Rights Act Duty of care is underpinned by a range of obligations. British Journal of Nursing, , Vol 23, No 4. Care Quality Commission. Our human rights approach for how we regulate health and social care services: February Medication in a liquid form can be a more appropriate format for those who suffer from swallowing difficulties.

Rosemont provide a range of educational materials and product support to assist healthcare professionals. Register for an account to enable online ordering across our entire range of licensed and unlicensed products. All rights reserved. Skip to main content. This study suggests that medication rights for nurses as they administer medications are needed. The historical marginalization of the voice of nurses has been perpetuated with detrimental impacts to nurses and patients.

In recent years, a focus on the creation of a just culture, with a balance of accountability and responsibility, has sought to bring a fairer and safer construct to the healthcare environment.