AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

February 28, 2003

ADSA: AFH #2003-003
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ADVISORY OPINIONS:
MEDICATION ASSISTANCE; FILLING MEDICATION ORGANIZERS

Dear Adult Family Home Provider:

Enclosed are two advisory opinions from the Department of Health (DOH).

1. Response To Request For Advisory Opinion effective July 12, 2002. This opinion states that nursing assistants, registered and certified, may assist a resident in the self-administration of their medications (medication assistance), as defined in Chapter 246-888 WAC. The enclosure provides the guidelines and limitations for medication assistance.
   
   
2. Position Statement: Medication Organizer Devices In Community Based Long Term Care and Private Homes: Roles of RNs and LPNs. As of January 10, 2003, it is the opinion of the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission that registered nurses and licensed practical nurses may fill customized resident medication organizers ("medisets") following the principles addressed in the enclosure.

If you have any questions about the opinions, please contact the Department of Health's Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission at (360) 236-4700.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services

Enclosures

1. RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ADVISORY OPINION
2. Position Statement: Medication Organizer Devices In Community Based Long Term Care and Private Homes: Roles for RNs and LPNs