Practice Requirements for Certified Medication Aides
Effective Feb 13, 2026Mass. Register #1567MGL c. 30A MGL c. 111, § 72W½Department of Public Health
- (1) A certified medication aide may administer medications to residents of long-term care facilities in accordance with 105 CMR 775.000.
(2) Certified medication aides may not administer medications unless they are supervised by:
- (a) a practical nurse licensed by the Board of Registration in Nursing pursuant to 244 CMR 3.00: Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse;
- (b) a registered nurse registered by the Board of Registration in Nursing pursuant to 244 CMR 3.00: Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse;
- (c) a certified nurse practitioner licensed by the Board of Registration in Nursing pursuant to 244 CMR 3.00: Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse and 244 CMR 4.00: Advanced Practice Registered Nursing; or
- (d) a physician licensed by the Board of Registration in Medicine pursuant to 243 CMR 2.00: Licensing and the Practice of Medicine.
- (3) A certified medication aide shall be evaluated by a supervisor at least once every six months.
- (4) When administering medications, a certified medication aide shall administer in accordance with a prescription or medication order.
- (5) A certified medication aide may not administer any narcotic drug.
- (6) A certified medication aide may not engage in prescriptive practice.
- (7) A certified medication aide shall document patient medical records in accordance with requirements established by the Department and the employing Long Term Care Facility.
- (8) A certified medication aide may not administer a medication unless they are employed by, or have a formal working relationship with, the Long Term Care Facility where the patient resides.
- (9) A certified medication aide shall update their addresses of record and email address with the Department within 30 days of any change. The address of record may not be a P.O. Box.