Certified Medication Aide-CMA

Medication Assistant

Responsible for assisting residents with medications ordered by their appropriately licensed health care providers and as established in each resident's individualized care plan. May provide medication reminders, assistance with self-administration of medications and administration of medications as allowed by state and federal laws and applicable rules according to company policies and procedures. Key communicator with the resident's pharmacy, healthcare provider and family regarding medication management.

Key Responsibilities :

• Knowledge of assisted living policies and procedures regarding all aspects of medication management.
• Remains current in knowledge of state and federal rules regarding scope of practice, medication storage & disposal, infection control practices & bio-hazardous waste disposal.
• Able to accurately read, and follow medication orders and medication labels.
• Able to accurately transpose medication orders to the MAR & make any needed corrections to the MAR according to physician orders.
• Follows the Six Rights of Medication Administration.
• Able to identify concerns related to medication orders, medication instructions or resident reactions to medications and takes appropriate actions.
• Follows appropriate infection control practices related to medication administration.
• Follows proper medication storage and disposal practices.
• Recognizes possible medication side effects or possible adverse reactions and takes appropriate actions.
• Knows which medications unlicensed staff may never provide assistance with, administer or provide supervision for and never does so.
• Monitors resident's medication quantities and related supplies and makes arrangements for timely procurement of refills so resident dose not miss any doses or required monitoring.
• Makes arrangements for timely procurement of newly ordered medications.
• Makes appropriate physician & family contacts in a professional manner when order clarification is needed, regarding resident reactions to medications or other medication concerns.
• Accurately documents assistance / administration and resident refusal of medications according to policy and professional standards.
• Follows policy, professional standards, and the law regarding storage, assistance / administration of, documentation and disposal of controlled medications.
• Immediately reports and documents any medication errors to the administrator or his / her designee per policy and takes appropriate actions for resident's well-being.
• Reports and documents any resident change in condition.
• Uses good judgment in seeking necessary assistance from peers, supervisor, administrator, physician, family and EMS as needed.
• Obtain accurate pulse and respiration rate; obtains accurate blood pressure, body temperature, and blood glucose reading.
• Accurately documents the effectiveness of medications given on an as needed basis and does so in a timely manner.
• Monitors medications for accountability by verifying medications have been ordered appropriately, are received as ordered, and controlled med drug counts are done at change of shift.
• Communicates effectively from shift to shift & to others (family, pharmacy, physician etc.) as necessary to facilitate the accuracy of any needed follow-up regarding resident medications.
• Routinely inspects, cleans and monitors the med storage system, equipment and supplies for resident safety. Reports any concerns to the supervisor for correction or repair.
• Assists direct care partners with their duties as part of the direct care team.
• Completes thorough face to face change of shift report to CMA relieving for next shift.
• Performs other duties as assigned that are within the scope of the CMAs practice, training, and abilities.

Minimum Education Required : Some high school

Minimum Experience Required : On-the-job training provided

Minimum Licensure / Certification Required by Law : CPR certification. Medication Tech certification

Additional Qualifications : (Preferred qualifications) High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous medication tech experience preferred. Experience with long term care or assisted living population preferred.

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