1. (1) Competency assessments for each MAC employed by a facility must be conducted upon initial hire and annually thereafter by a licensed nurse. The licensed nurse must maintain records of the initial and annual competency validation on file at the facility. Competency assessments must include a demonstration of each of the following competency areas and standards:

   1. (a) Maintaining confidentiality; does not share confidential information, except when it affects the recipient's care and is shared only to the appropriate person(s).
   2. (b) Complying with a recipient's right to refuse to take medication; Does not force recipients to take medication. Uses appropriate measures to encourage taking of medications when directed for recipients who are not competent.
   3. (c) Maintaining hygiene and current accepted standards for infection control; utilizes appropriate infection control principles when providing medications.
   4. (d) Documenting accurately and completely; accurately documents all medication provided including the name of the medication, dose, route, and time administered and any refusal of medication, and spoilage.
   5. (e) Providing medications according to the seven rights; provides the right medication, to the right person, at the right time, in the right dose, for the right purpose, and by the right route with correct documentation.
   6. (f) Having the ability to understand and follow instructions; comprehends written or oral directions.

   7. (g) Practicing safety in application of medication procedures; properly:

      1. 1. Stores and handles all medication in accordance with facility policy.
      2. 2. Intervenes when unsafe conditions of the medication indicate a medication should not be provided.
      3. 3. Provides medication to recipients in accordance with their age and condition.
      4. 4. Records all medication provided or refused.
   8. (h) Having knowledge of abuse and neglect reporting requirements. identifies-occurrences of possible abuse of a vulnerable adult and reports this information to the appropriate supervising licensed nurse and as required by facility policies.

Author: Alabama Board of Nursing

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-21-2.1.

History: New Rule: Published September 30, 2021; effective November 14, 2021.