FAQ About Modifications to Medication Administration Course During COVID-19

ODP Announcement 20-102 provides guidance on medication administration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) relating to medication administration requirements that were modified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These questions and responses apply to both new and current staff unless otherwise indicated.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ODP has temporarily allowed staff who are required to take the standard medication administration course to take the modified medication course. In order to ensure that individuals who require assistance with medication receive such assistance, staff required to take the standard medication administration course may administer medications after successfully completing ODP’s Modified Medication Administration Training Course, available on www.MyODP.org.

1. For staff to successfully complete the initial phases of the Modified Medication Administration Training Course, prior to administering medications, the following must occur:
   • The staff must receive training from the provider on the use of the provider’s medication record for documenting the administration of medication; and
   • The staff must be observed administering medications four times by a Certified Medication Administration Trainer or Certified Medication Administration Practicum Observer, unless a trainer or observer is not available due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Observation may be conducted in-person or remotely using video interface technology. Remote observation is encouraged to maintain social distancing; and
   • The staff must be observed applying proper handwashing and gloving techniques one time by a Certified Medication Administration Trainer. Observation may be conducted in-person or remotely using video telecommunication technology. Remote observation is encouraged to maintain social distancing.

2. Staff who have completed the initial requirements to begin administering medications as above must also comply with same the annual practicum requirements as those staff who have completed the standard medication administration training course. These requirements are:
   • Ensure observations of medication administrators occur two times annually by a Certified Medication Administration Trainer or Certified Medication Administration Practicum Observer. Observations of the medication administrations may be conducted in-person or remotely using video telecommunications technology. Remote observation is encouraged to maintain social distancing; and
   • Ensure Medication Record Reviews for the medication administrator occur two times annually by a Certified Medication Administration Trainer or Certified Medication Administration Practicum Observer. Medication Record Reviews of the medication administrations may be conducted in-person or remotely using video telecommunications technology. Remote reviews are encouraged whenever possible to maintain social distancing; and
   • Providers must retain record of staff’s completion of the Modified Medication Administration Training Course by retaining a copy of the certificate of completion.

Please see the announcement for the Q&A regarding the requirements going forward.