Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) UPDATE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Modifications to Medication Administration Course Requirements as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic

ODP Announcement 20-114 informs stakeholders that due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, staff can continue to take the Modified Course in place of the Standard Course until December 31, 2021. Also, the Department previously required that staff who took the Modified Course in lieu of the Standard Course complete the Standard Course no later than June 30, 2021. Please be advised that this deadline has been extended to December 31, 2022.

Beginning July 1, 2021, staff who have completed the initial requirements to begin administering medications using the Modified Course as above are required to complete additional medication administration observations and Medication Record Reviews as part of the Annual Practicum. This enhanced requirement applies to any staff who have at any time trained with the Modified Course and have not yet completed the Standard Course.

The enhanced Annual Practicum requirements are:

1. Observations of staff administering medications must occur four times annually by a Certified Medication Administration Trainer or Qualified Medication Administration Practicum Observer. It is recommended that one medication administration observation be completed each quarter. Observations of the medication administrations may be conducted in-person or remotely using video telecommunication technology. Remote observation is encouraged to maintain social distancing; and
2. Medication Record Reviews for the medication administrator must occur four times annually by a Certified Medication Administration Trainer or Qualified Medication Administration Practicum Observer. It is recommended that one Medication Record Review be completed each quarter. Medication Record Reviews of the medication administrations may be conducted in-person or remotely using video telecommunication technology. Remote reviews are encouraged whenever possible to maintain social distancing.

The full document, including frequently asked questions relating to medication administration requirements that were modified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, can be accessed here. These questions and responses apply to both new and current staff unless otherwise indicated.