fcsva psychotropic medication & medication administration policies just the basics for foster...

FCSVA Psychotropic Medication &Medication Administration Policies

Just the Basics for Foster Parents

Part I: Psychotropic Medications Training Agenda

What are Psychotropic Medications

Psychotropic Medication Purpose

Dosage

Side Effects

What to do in Emergencies

Part 2: Documentation/All Medications Training Agenda

Medication Log

Prescription MedicationSpecial Considerations: Psychotropic

Medications

Medication and Respite

Resources

Part I: Psychotropic Medications Training


Psychotropic medication

Any medication capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior.

From the Greek psycho-, the mind + trop, a turning = (capable of) turning the mind

From MedicineNet.com


Examples of psychotropic medications

Sleep Aids (Ambien, Lunesta)

Antidepressant (Lexapro, Prozac, Wellbutrin,

Celexa, Cymbalta, Effexor, Paxil)

ADD/ADHD Medications (Adderall, Concerta,

Ritalin, Straterra)


Examples of psychotropic medications

Mood Stabilizer (Depakote, Lamictal, Trileptal)

Anti-anxiety (Valium)Antipsychotic (Abilify, Seroquel, Haldol,

Risperdal)

Psychotropic Medication Purpose

“[Psychotropic] Medications treat the symptoms of mental disorders. They cannot cure the disorder, but they make people feel better so they can function.”

-National Institute of Mental Health website

Dosage

Doses vary as there are several factors that affect how the medication works

◦ Age, Gender and Weight◦ Physical Illness◦ Diet◦ Drinking/Smoking◦ Other Medications◦ Diagnosis◦ Genetics

Dosage

It is important that Medications are taken as prescribed◦Dosages can be adjusted as needed over time

by psychiatrist/physician◦Time medication is taken can be adjusted as

needed by psychiatrist/physician◦Often with a new medication the dosage will be

increased gradually

It may take from 4-8 weeks for a medication to have full effect

NEVER, EVER…DON’T DO IT:

START a medication

OR

STOP a medication

OR

CHANGE dosage amount or time given

Without a written doctor’s prescription and talking to FCSVA Case Manager

Side Effects

Side Effects Vary by Medication

◦Ask Psychiatrist/Physician/Pharmacist

Side Effects Vary by Person

Emergencies

If there are life-threatening effects, ◦Seek immediate medical attention◦Call FCSVA (on-call Case Manager or Case

Manager)◦Write a Foster Parent Log

If the child refuses to take the medication,◦Call FCSVA (on-call Case Manager or Case

Manager)◦Document on Medication Log◦Write a Foster Parent Log

Emergencies

If you miss administering a dose,◦Call FCSVA (on-call Case Manager or Case

Manager)◦Document on Medication Log◦Write a Foster Parent Log

Part 2: Documentation/All Medications Training

Medication Log

Completed when ANY medication is given to a child (including prescription, psychotropic and over-the-counter)

Filled out EACH time the medication is given

Medication Log

Initial Each Time You Administer a Medication

Fill Out CompletelyDue to Child’s Case Manager by the fifth

of the following month

Medication Log for Prescription and Non-Prescription Medications BEFORE administering a new psychotropic medication FCSVA MUST have the Consent to Administer and prescription on file. Please Print Clearly

Child: Month and Year Page _________ of ___________

Foster Parent's Signature and Date

Day of Month

Time Given 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Name of Medication:

Dosage and number times a day

Does FCSVA have a copy of prescription on file?

Name of Medication:



Name of Medication:



Name of Medication:



Name of Medication:



Each time the medication is given, you must put in your initials. If child refuses medication, mark an R for refusal. If there is an error with administration mark box with an E. Make sure to explain on the back and call your child's Case Manager the on-call pager FCSVA must have a copy of all prescriptions on file. Due by the Fifth of the Next Month

Reminders

Let’s Take a look at the Pieces of the Medication Log

Basic Identifying Information with child’s Name, the Month and Year of the Medication Log and Foster Parent

Signature. This information should be completely filled out each month

Medication and Dosage

Info

Date of the Month that the Medication was given

Time of Day Medication given

Example 8:00 AM, 6:00 PM

Your Initials go in the box under the day and beside the time

that you gave the medication

Prescription Medications

FCSVA must have a copy of the prescription for ALL medication prescribed

For non-psychotropic medications, a copy of the pharmacy document or actual prescription

For a psychotropic medication, FCSVA must have an actual copy of the prescription (Each Time psychiatrist/physician writes one)

Special Considerations: Psychotropic Medications

FCSVA Must have a Signed consent to administer psychotropic medication on file for EACH medication and dosage BEFORE it can be given to the foster child

FCSVA Must have a copy of the Actual prescription for EACH medication and dosage BEFORE it can be given to the foster child

CHILD: _________________________________________________________ DOB:____________________________________________________________ NEW MEDICATION:______________________________________________ Start Date:__________________________________________________ Frequency:__________________________________________________ Dosage:_____________________________________________________ PREVIOUS MEDICATION:_________________________________________ Start Date:___________________________________________________ End Date:____________________________________________________ Frequency:___________________________________________________ Dosage:______________________________________________________ PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN/PSYCHIRATRIST NAME AND PHONE NUMBER: Name:________________________________________________________ Phone Number:_________________________________________________ PHARMACY CONTACT NUMBER:_______________________________________ _________________________________________ __________________ Psychiatrist (only needed if no copy of prescription received) Date _________________________________________ ___________________ Legal Guardian Date _________________________________________ __________________ FCSVA Case Manager Date

CONSENT TO ADMINISTER

PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION

If this gets signed by psychiatrist, this can

substitute for the actual prescription.


START a psychotropic

OR

CHANGE dosage amount or time given

Until FCSVA has a signed Consent to Administer and copy of prescription on file

Medications and Respite

When the child goes on respite◦ALL medication should be given to respite

foster parent◦Medications must be taken in original

containers, so that respite foster parent can see prescription instructions

◦Medication Logs must be completed by respite foster parents.


SEND medication in plastic bag

OR

LEAVE medication packed with cloths

OR

LET child store medicines

Resources

Download Medication Logs and Consent to Administer Forms off FCSVA’s website◦www.fcsva.org

National Institute of Mental Health

◦http://www.nimh.nih.gov

National Alliance on Mental Illness

◦http://www.nami.org

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