NAC632.830. Required instruction.

Each approved program for medication aides - certified must provide at least 60 hours of instruction in theory and laboratory skills and at least 40 hours in supervised clinical experience. The instruction and clinical experience must provide training in:

     1. The fundamental roles and responsibilities of a medication aide - certified relating to medication, including, without limitation:

     (a) The proper procedure for the administration of medication so that the medication aide - certified is prepared to demonstrate the procedure required pursuant to subsection 2 of NAC 632.825;

     (b) Mathematics necessary to provide the proper dosage, including, without limitation, weights and measurements;

     (c) The basics of the administration of medication, including, without limitation, understanding:

          (1) Terminology and abbreviations used in relation to medication;

          (2) Range of dosages for medication;

          (3) The medical need for the medication;

          (4) The therapeutic effect of certain medication;

          (5) The possible side effects of certain medication;

          (6) Precautions that must be taken before administering certain medication;

          (7) The contraindications of certain medication;

          (8) Allergies or adverse reactions to certain medication;

          (9) Patient tolerance of certain medication;

          (10) The interactions between certain medications;

          (11) The additive or antagonist effect of certain medication; and

          (12) The idiosyncratic and paradoxical reactions of certain medication;

     (d) The manner in which medication is ordered, documented, stored and disposed; and

     (e) The proper manner in which to prepare and administer medication.

     2. The safety and care of patients by a medication aide - certified in a designated facility, including, without limitation:

     (a) How to prevent errors in the administration of medication;

     (b) The causes of errors in the administration of medication;

     (c) The procedure for reporting errors in the administration of medication;

     (d) The manner in which a medication aide - certified may promote the independence of patients; and

     (e) Respecting the rights of patients.

     3. Communication with the patient and personnel of the designated facility and documentation of the administration of medication, including, without limitation:

     (a) The ability to listen effectively and build relationships with patients and personnel of the designated facility;

     (b) Reporting symptoms or side effects exhibited by a patient;

     (c) Reporting any changes in a patient’s condition; and

     (d) Understanding the role of the delegating or supervising nurse.

     4. Other relevant information relating to the administration of medication, including, without limitation:

     (a) Various manners in which to administer medication;

     (b) Factors which affect the manner in which the body processes medication;

     (c) Different types of medication that affect the different systems of the body and the manner in which the body processes those medications; and

     (d) The manner in which to locate information on specific types of medication, including, without limitation, through the use of reference manuals.

     5. The ethical and legal issues of the administration of medication, including, without limitation:

     (a) The role of a medication aide - certified;

     (b) The legal and ethical responsibilities of a medication aide - certified who accepts a delegated duty;

     (c) The legal and ethical issues relating to the rights of patients; and

     (d) The legal and ethical issues relating to the:

          (1) Administration of medication:

               (I) In the appropriate manner;

               (II) At the appropriate time;

               (III) To the correct patient; and

               (IV) In the correct dosage.

          (2) Documentation of the administration of medication.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Nursing by R112-11, eff. 2-15-2012)