(a)

1. (1) Each residential long-term care facility must have written policies and procedures to ensure residents receive medications as appropriate.
2. (2) In-service training on facility medications policies and procedures (see 20 CAR § 401-308(d)) shall be provided at least annually for all facility employees supervising medications.

(b)

1. (1) Facilities must comply with applicable state laws and rules governing the dispensing of medications and restrictions applicable to nonlicensed personnel.
2. (2) The facility owner or owners, employees, or others acting on behalf of the facility are prohibited from administering, repackaging, or relabeling any resident medication.

(d)

1. (1) Residents must be familiar with their medications and comprehend administration instructions.
2. (2) Facility staff shall provide assistance to enable residents to self-administer medications.

3. (3) For clarification, examples of acceptable practices are listed below:

   1. (A) The resident may be reminded of the time to take the medication;
   2. (B) The medication regimen on the container label may be read to the resident;
   3. (C) In the presence of the resident, facility staff may remove the container cap or loosen the packaging, but the resident must actually remove the medication from the container; and
   4. (D)

(i) A larger sterile container may be provided to the resident if needed to prevent spillage.

1. (ii) Such containers must not be shared by residents and must be sterilized daily.

(f) Facility personnel may perform emergency or first-aid procedures as specified below:

1. (1) Emergencies are defined as those measures necessary to prevent death or trauma until such time that the resident can be transported to the appropriate medical facility;
2. (2) First-aid measures will be defined as temporary procedures necessary to relieve trauma or injury by applying dressing and/or band aids; and
3. (3) First-aid supplies shall be available in the facility.