5123.651 Assistance in self-administration of prescribed medication. - Ohio Statutes

5123.651 Assistance in self-administration of prescribed medication.

(A) As used in this section, “MR/DD personnel” and “prescribed medication” have the same meanings as in section 5123.41 of the Revised Code.

(B) MR/DD personnel who are not specifically authorized by other provisions of the Revised Code to provide assistance in the self-administration of prescribed medication may, under this section, provide that assistance as part of the services they provide to individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. To provide assistance with self-administration of prescribed medication, MR/DD personnel are not required to be trained or certified in accordance with section 5123.42 of the Revised Code.

(C) When assisting in the self-administration of prescribed medication, MR/DD personnel shall take only the following actions:

(1) Remind an individual when to take the medication and observe the individual to ensure that the individual follows the directions on the container;

(2) Assist an individual by taking the medication in its container from the area where it is stored, handing the container with the medication in it to the individual, and opening the container, if the individual is physically unable to open the container;

(3) Assist, on request by or with the consent of, a physically impaired but mentally alert individual, with removal of oral or topical medication from the container and with the individual’s taking or applying of the medication. If an individual is physically unable to place a dose of oral medication to the individual’s mouth without spilling or dropping it, MR/DD personnel may place the dose in another container and place that container to the individual’s mouth.

Effective Date: 03-31-2003