Weekly Q&A

Q: Is it acceptable practice to pre-pour medications?

A: The simple answer is no. Not only is it dangerous, but the law states that medications shall be administered as soon as possible after the doses are prepared. For controlled substances, the law states doses of controlled substances shall be withdrawn from the container immediately before administration is to be made to the patient.

Q: Where can I find the regulations on things like food safety, storage, etc.?

A: Food Service Establishments – 10 NYCRR Part 14

Q: Do I need a waiver for an injectable medication?

A: Yes- you’ll need to do an equivalency waiver and specify what the medication is.

Remember, 487.7 (f) (7) Medication management – Staff shall not be permitted to administer injectable medications to a resident; except that staff holding a valid license from the State of New York Education Department authorizing them, among other things, to administer injectable medications, may do so, provided that the injectable medication is one which licensed health care providers would customarily train a patient or his family to administer.

NYSHFA | NYSCAL CONTACTS:

Christina Audi, MHA, LNHA
Executive Director, NYSCAL
caudi@nyshfa-nyscal.org
518-462-4800 x 13