Sec.17a-210-3a. Approval process for trained non-licensed personnel for individual and family support: General training in medication administration

(a) Non-licensed personnel paid to provide supports to consumers in individual and family support settings shall be approved to administer medications upon successful completion of the following requirements:

(1) Instruction in theory provided by an endorsed instructor or a department approved computer-based training program that includes:

(A) Medical terminology;

(B) Drug classifications, including controlled medications, dosage, measurement and forms of medications;

(C) Intended purpose and effects of medication and sources of information on medications;

(D) Correct and safe techniques of medication administration including, but not limited to, the correct methods to prepare and administer medication;

(E) Prohibited and dangerous techniques of medication administration;

(F) Observational skills and identification of signs of medication reactions; including, but not limited to, known side effects, interactions, and the proper course of action if a side effect occurs;

(G) Responsibilities associated with the administration of medication including, but not limited to, reporting errors; and

(H) State and federal statutes and regulations pertaining to medication.

(2) Demonstration of skills related to the general training in medication administration.

(b) Upon successful completion of general training in medication administration, the name of the non-licensed personnel shall be included in the listing of persons who are identified by the department to have met the requirements for general training in medication administration and are approved to administer medications to consumers supported by individual and family support services.

(c) Trained non-licensed personnel who have been approved to provide medication administration support shall be required to receive additional training specific to the needs and medications of each consumer they support. This instruction may be provided by the consumer's licensed prescriber, a registered nurse providing support to the consumer or the consumer's family or guardian.

(d) Non-licensed personnel employed in individual and family support settings who possess current or recent medication certification, obtained not more than five (5) years prior to the date of application to become a trained non-licensed personnel, may substitute this experience for the general training in medication administration required by this section unless the following conditions exist:

(1) the non-licensed personnel's certification has been revoked or suspended;

(2) the delegation of medication administration to the non-licensed personnel has been suspended by a supervising nurse due to repeated, documented errors; or

(3) the employment of the non-licensed personnel has been terminated based upon repeated errors in medication administration.

(e) Qualifications for non-licensed personnel to participate in the general training in medication administration.

(1) Non-licensed personnel shall be eligible to receive training if they are high school graduates or otherwise qualified to participate in such program and if such non-licensed personnel are approved by the department. A person convicted of a crime involving the manufacture, sale, dispensing, possession, or possession with the intent to sell any controlled substance, or any other criminal offenses may be denied admission to the general training program by the department. The department's denial shall be based upon the following considerations: (A) the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position to which the department's approval as trained non-licensed personnel applies; (B) information pertaining to the degree of rehabilitation of the convicted person; and (C) the time elapsed since the conviction. On this basis, the department may determine that such person is not suitable to participate in the general training in medication administration.

(2) Paid employees, who will be required to administer medications as part of the support provided to consumers, shall be reviewed by the Medication Administration Unit of the department to determine if any issues or concerns in the administration of medications to consumers have previously been reported to the Medication Administration Unit. This review and approval process shall be completed prior to training.

(f) Qualifications for instructors for trained non-licensed personnel.The approved general training program in medication administration identified in this section shall be taught by a registered nurse, licensed pursuant to chapter 378 of the Connecticut General Statutes, who has completed the department's endorsed instructor training program and received orientation in the department curriculum for trained non-licensed personnel.

(Adopted effective December 3, 2009)