Section 116.50  Administration of Medications

a)         Medications shall be administered in accordance with the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act [20 ILCS 1705] and the Illinois Nurse Practice Act.

b)         With the exception of subcutaneous insulin administration by insulin pen by authorized staff and emergency epinephrine administration by epinephrine auto-injector by staff trained in epinephrine administration, non-licensed staff shall not administer any medication in an injectable form.

c)         Medications that are regularly available without a prescription at a commercial pharmacy (although need not be purchased there) may be purchased for stock when they are prescribed as PRN or regularly scheduled (such as daily, weekly or monthly, but not limited to those schedules) by a physician or any other person licensed to prescribe medications in Illinois.  The following conditions shall apply:

1)         The medication must be stored in the original container, with the original label intact.

2)         No labeling other than the original container labeling is allowed.  This labeling may not be obscured in any way.

3)         The prescription instructions, as written by the physician or any other person licensed to prescribe medications in Illinois and as interpreted by the Nurse-Trainer, will be placed on the MAR as required by Section 116.70(b) and followed as written.

4)         Providers may not repackage medications.

5)         The provider shall communicate with all appropriate parties regarding regularly prescribed stock medications during an individual's absence from his or her residence during a medication administration period.

d)         Medications that are regularly available without prescription at a commercial pharmacy, such as uncontrolled cough syrups, laxatives and analgesics, shall be given to an individual only upon written order of the physician or other person licensed to prescribe medications in Illinois.

e)         Over-the-counter substances, such as skin care lotion, lip balm, sunscreen, mouthwash, non-medicated foot powder, and cough drops, are generally considered comfort treatments.  As such, they are not subject to the requirements of this Part.  When, however, these substances are prescribed by a physician or other person licensed to prescribe medications in Illinois, these substances become subject to this Part.

f)         PRN medications shall be administered within one hour after the need is identified.

g)         A registered professional nurse, advanced practice nurse, physician, or physician assistant shall be on duty or on call at all times in any program covered by this Part [20 ILCS 1705/15.4(j)].

(Source:  Amended at 41 Ill. Reg. 6534, effective May 26, 2017)