Who is authorized to administer medications in a licensed boarding care home?

In a licensed boarding care home, unlicensed nursing personnel who have completed specific training are authorized to administer medications. This regulation is in place to ensure that there is a standardized level of competency among those who are permitted to handle and administer medications to residents, maintaining safety and adherence to legal protocols.

Completed training equips these individuals with the necessary knowledge of medication administration techniques, potential side effects, and the importance of maintaining proper documentation. By requiring specific training, the regulations help ensure that medications are administered correctly and safely, thus minimizing the risk of errors that could jeopardize residents' health.

This approach creates a structured framework within which unlicensed personnel can safely contribute to residents' care, while registered nurses are also available in these settings to oversee clinical judgments and complex issues that arise.

Other options, such as only having registered nurses or allowing any staff member to administer medications, would not address the need for trained personnel to ensure safety and adherence to legal standards. Family members administering medications can introduce risks, as they may lack the training to understand dosing, interactions, and proper administration protocols.