Medical malpractice is any negligent, unskilled or improper treatment of a patient in Ohio, and this includes medical errors. If medical staff fails to follow the proper rules and procedures laid out by the state for the protection of patients, you may have a potential medical malpractice claim.
All doctors, nurses, and medication aides are expected to follow the rules for the administration of medication. The Ohio Board of Nursing’s administrative code covers these rules in depth.
When a certified medication aide can administer medicine
In nursing homes, a certified medication aide is someone who is allowed to administer medications in lieu of a doctor or nurse, but only in certain circumstances. For instance, the medication aide must display their certification at all times when administering your medication in a residential facility or nursing home.
Medication aides must always document whether you refused your medicine, the time and date of the administration, the route by which the medicine was administered and the dosage and name of the medication. A medication aide must also document his or her name at the time the medication is administered.
When a medication aide cannot administer medicine
A medication aide cannot access schedule II controlled substances, nor can he or she administer medication to pediatric residents. An aide cannot administer medication unless he or she has been asked to do so by a nurse.
The first time you are dosed with a medication, it must be done by a nurse or doctor. The medication aide can never alter, transcribe or receive an order for medication.