Virginia Law

The curriculum shall include a minimum of 32 hours of classroom instruction and practice in the following:

1. Preparing for safe administration of medications to clients in specific settings by:

a. Demonstrating an understanding of the client's rights regarding medications, treatment decisions, and confidentiality.

b. Recognizing emergencies and other health-threatening conditions and responding accordingly.

c. Identifying medication terminology and abbreviations.

2. Maintaining aseptic conditions by:

a. Implementing universal precautions.

b. Insuring cleanliness and disinfection.

c. Disposing of infectious or hazardous waste.

3. Facilitating client self-administration or assisting with medication administration by:

a. Reviewing administration records and prescriber's orders.

b. Facilitating client's awareness of the purpose and effects of medication.

c. Assisting the client to interpret prescription labels.

d. Observing the five rights of medication administration and security requirements appropriate to the setting.

e. Following proper procedure for preparing medications.

f. Measuring and recording vital signs to assist the client in making medication administration decisions.

g. Assisting the client to administer oral medications.

h. Assisting the client with administration of prepared instillations and treatments of:

(1) Eye drops and ointments.

(2) Ear drops.

(3) Nasal drops and sprays.

(4) Topical preparations.

(5) Compresses and dressings.

(6) Vaginal and rectal products.

(7) Soaks and sitz baths.

(8) Inhalation therapy.

(9) Oral hygiene products.

i. Reporting and recording the client's refusal to take medication.

j. Documenting medication administration.

k. Documenting and reporting medication errors.

l. Maintaining client records according to facility policy.

m. Sharing information with other staff orally and by using documents.

n. Storing and securing medications.

o. Maintaining an inventory of medications.

p. Disposing of medications.

4. Facilitating client self-administration or assisting with the administration of insulin. Instruction and practice in the administration of insulin shall be included only in those settings where required by client needs and shall include:

a. Cause and treatment of diabetes.

b. The side effects of insulin.

c. Preparation and administration of insulin.

d. Signs of severe hypoglycemia and administration of glucagon.

5. Facilitating client self-administration or assisting with the administration of auto-injectable epinephrine pursuant to an order issued by the prescriber for a specific client in a facility licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services under the provisions of subsection D of § 54.1-3408 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Pursuant to subsection L of § 54.1-3408 of the Code of Virginia, the board requires successful completion of the curriculum approved by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) for unlicensed persons to administer medication via a gastrostomy tube to a person receiving services from a program licensed by the DBHDS.