33-43-01-14. Medication assistant I training and competency evaluation program requirements.

The medication assistant I program requirements are applicable to settings in which a licensed nurse is not regularly scheduled and provides direct or indirect supervision. The medication assistant I program consists of the theoretical concepts of medication administration and supervised clinical administration of medication. The curriculum must meet the requirements established by the department and include at a minimum:

1. Instructor. A registered nurse is responsible for the development of the theory, the laboratory or clinical component, and supervision of the medication assistant training program.

2. Course objectives. Described in terms of student outcome competencies, including the following:

a. Utilize the principles of safety in the administration of medication;

b. Define terms related to the administration of medications;

c. Correctly interpret abbreviations commonly used in administration of medication;

d. Know and apply laws related to medication administration;

e. Keep accurate records; and

f. Identify legal parameters of the medication assistant role.

3. Curriculum. The medication assistant program I curriculum for delegated medication administration must include:

a. Medication concepts:

(1) Terminology and standardization abbreviations; (2) Classification of medication; (3) Generic and trade names;

1. (4) Dosage, range, and action;
2. (5) Side effects;
3. (6) Medication routes; and
4. (7) References and sources of information.b. Roles, responsibilities, legal aspects, and limitations of medication assistant I and licensed nurse:- (1) Scope of duties for medication assistant I;
5. (2) Licensed nurse responsibilities in relationship to a medication assistant I;
6. (3) Client rights, including the right to refuse medication; and
7. (4) Knowledge of organization policy related to medication administration.c. Methods for medication packaging.d. Storage and disposal of medication.e. Administering and charting medication:- (1) Preparation and administration of medication;
8. (2) Safety and six rights of medication administration;
9. (3) Use of medication administration record to:
10. (a) Administer medications; and
11. (b) Document medication administration;
12. (4) Prevention of medication errors; and
13. (5) Causes and reporting of medication errors.f. Standard precautions for infection control.g. An overview of the major classes of medications related to body systems.h. Additional instruction must include those categories of medications relevant to the health care setting where the medication assistant will be employed.i. Clinical instruction for the purpose of demonstration of medication administration and evaluation of individual competence.4. Medication assistant I program students must complete the clinical portion of the medication assistant program within six months of completion of the theory portion. Failure to do so will render the individual ineligible to administer medications.5. A passing score of eighty-five percent is required on the theory test with an opportunity to retake the test one time. If a student fails on a retake, additional instruction is required before further testing is allowed.6. Medication assistant I program students shall demonstrate satisfactory performance of medication administration as evidenced by satisfactory completion of the clinical skills checklist.

7. During the clinical learning experience, the licensed nurse shall: a. Provide direct over-the-shoulder supervision with initial medication pass; b. Observe and evaluate the student's performance until a ninety percent performance standard on the clinical skills checklist is obtained; and c. Decreased the amount of supervision only when the student demonstrates the ninety percent performance standard.

8. The medication assistant I program coordinator is required to submit to the department, which two weeks of completion of the course, a list of students successfully completing the medication assistant I program. The information submitted to the department for initial medication assistant I registration for each student must include: a. Name and location of the institution and course title; b. Date of completion; c. Full name, address, and social security number of the student; d. The name and qualifications of the instructors; e. The clinical facility or employer and address; f. The facility clinical coordinator of each student who successfully completes the course; g. Copies of the completed theoretical curriculum and clinical performance testing results for the student; h. A copy of a certificate of successful completion, if awarded by the teaching institution; i. A completed medication assistant I application; and j. A nonrefundable fee of twenty-five dollars.

9. Medication assistant I programs shall maintain records that are available for a period of seven years. Those records must include: a. Program records, including curriculum and evaluation tools for student performance, both theory and clinical. b. Students records, including course start and completion date, clinical skills checklist, examination scores, and a copy of the certificate of successful completion.

10. The medication assistant I program will submit a renewal application for review by the department for a determination on continued approval at least every four years.

History: Effective July 1, 2011.

General Authority: NDCC 23-44-02

Law Implemented: NDCC 23-44-02