02 4227 1079
Hi everyone
Just a note to remind and update everybody about our responsibilities when Interchange Illawarra workers and volunteers assist with the administration of medication. It is important for both carers and workers/volunteers to understand that we are unable to assist with the administration of medication unless it is packed by a pharmacist in correctly labelled Webster packs. Refillable pill containers do not meet this requirement however some liquids and creams that cannot be packed using the Webster system are exempt. If you are not sure please contact your Interchange Planner to discuss individual circumstances.
You can be assured that all workers and volunteers have either completed or are currently undertaking medication administration training as part of Interchange’s Mandatory Training program. Workers who assist with the administration will also complete and sign the Interchange Medication Administration Form each time support is provided to administer medication. These measures are an important part of our commitment to ensure support provided by Interchange Illawarra is of the highest possible standard and that we are complying with NDIS regulations.
In addition, the newly created NDIS Commission has made some changes to medication administration in relation to Behaviour Support Plans. According to the NDIS Commission, psychotropic medication that is administered for reasons other than “Mental or Physical disorders as outlined in DSM-5 – Mental disorders include things such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety; Physical illness or conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, diabetes” are deemed a Restrictive Practice. This is irrespective of whether the medication is administered on a routine or PRN basis.
What this means is that medication prescribed outside of this definition cannot be administered by Interchange workers or volunteers unless it is listed as a Restricted Practice in an approved Behaviour Support Plan. If this is the case, families need to ensure appropriate funding has been allocated in the participants plan for a Behaviour Support specialist to develop a Behaviour Support Plan – Your LAC or Support Coordinator can help you with this. Interchange will then need to arrange a panel with an Independent FaCS Behaviour Specialist to seek approval for use of the Restricted Practice.
In the short term, Interchange Support Planners will be updating medication records to gain information on the reason for prescription of participants’ listed medications, to ensure we are complying with the new requirements.
If you have any questions about these changes please contact the office on 4227 1079