(1) The foster parent shall ensure the following regarding medications and medical emergencies:
- (a) prescribed medication is administered according to the written directions of the foster child's health provider;
- (b) the foster child consumes the medication;
- (c) any severe or unexpected side effects or reactions are immediately reported to the foster child's health provider;
- (d) medication is only given to the foster child for whom it was prescribed;
- (e) medication is not discontinued without the approval of the foster child's health provider;
- (f) non-prescription medication is administered by the foster parent according to manufacturer's instructions unless otherwise directed by the foster child's health provider;
- (g) medication is not administered or carried by the foster child, unless approved in-writing by the foster child's health provider;
(h) medication is not used for behavior management or restraint unless prescribed in-writing by the foster child's health provider and after notification to the division or caseworker;
- (i) medication remains locked at times it is not in immediate, active use;
- (j) medication in active use is not left unattended and the foster parent may not abuse or misuse prescription or non-prescription drugs or medications;
(k) the foster parent may carry a necessary dose of medication for active use, if a foster child requires immediate access to their medication for asthma, allergies, diabetes or other condition requiring urgent administration of the medication;
- (l) medication remains in the original pharmacy or manufacturer's packaging;
- (m) the foster parent may not repackage medications or divide doses into alternative containers;
- (n) the foster parent partners with the pharmacy regarding any needed divisions of medication;
- (o) the foster parent promptly takes a foster child who has a medical emergency, who is sick, or who is injured, for an assessment by a medical practitioner; and
- (p) the foster parent complies with the treatment orders of the foster child's health provider.
- (2) The foster parent shall transfer any unused medication to the caseworker or agency when a foster child is no longer placed in the foster parent's home.
- (3) The foster parent shall have a written plan for medical emergencies, including arrangements for medical transportation, treatment, and care.
KEY: licensing, human services, foster care, certified foster care
Date of Last Change: July 18, 2025
Notice of Continuation: October 3, 2022
Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 26B-2-104