The CRMA 24-hour course (Certified Residential Medication Aide) is Maine DHHS approved for unlicensed certification to give non-injectable medications in a Level 3 residential group home.
The 24-hour course is for CRMA certification to work in the
Level 1-3 (5 or fewer clients) in the residential group home setting.
All CRMA 40-hour students are responsible for understanding the full Maine CRMA Curriculum, beginning with the Introduction section. Think of the curriculum as the official manual or student textbook.
All Level 4 residential care providers are responsible for understanding the Maine Ch. 113 Regulations for residential programs. Think of the Ch. 113 as the official workplace policy manual.
Within Level 4, section 7 is focused on medications
All CRMA 40-hour students are responsible for understanding the full Maine CRMA Curriculum, beginning with the Introduction section. Think of the curriculum as the official manual or student textbook.
All Level 4 residential care providers are responsible for understanding the Maine Ch. 113 Regulations for residential programs. Think of the Ch. 113 as the official workplace policy manual.
Within Level 4, section 7 is focused on medications
Most medications are manufactured from a combination of active ingredients to cause a desired therapeutic effect, for the purpose of relieving symptoms or curing disease.
Controlled (C2)- narcotics are controlled closely due to powerful active ingredients with a high potential for abuse/addiction. Methods of control include: short-term med orders that legally expire in only 1 month and close monitoring of inventory- these meds must be double locked, double counted (at every key exchange) and double documented (on the MAR and in a bound count book) each time the med is given to the resident.
Non-controlled- all other non-narcotic meds, including over the counter (OTC) meds that can be purchased without prescription. However, all meds including topicals such as medicated creams, shampoos and sunscreen, must have a licensed prescriber order.
Meds are also organized by their purpose for use, associated with the diagnosis. As an example, if a person has hypertension, they may be prescribed an antihypertensive medication such as Metoprolol.
Remember, some meds are part of multiple classifications. We must verify each med so that we know why it is ordered and what effects to expect, then observe/document and report the reaction.
Print our study guide for a classification list
Medication orders legally expire depending on their classification and DEA drug “schedule” based on their potential danger for abuse/addiction.
low schedule # = high danger
high schedule # = low danger
schedule 1: - illicit street drugs, illegal possession, not used in healthcare.
schedule 2- controlled narcotics (C2): double locked/counted/documented
schedule 3- example: tylenol with codeine for moderate pain
Moderate/low danger
schedule 4-example: Xanax for moderate anxiety
schedule 5- general care/comfort meds, OTC, standing orders
Types of med orders:
routine order: med is given routinely at the same time regularly
standing order: protocol list of pre- approved meds for general care and comfort of mild symptoms (Robitussin for cough, Tylenol for headache or fever)
PRN (as needed): med is given only when occasional but expected conditions arise, such as Tylenol for headache/fever, Robitussin for cough, depending on the Resident's reported symptoms or observed needs.
STAT: intended for immediate use for acute conditions.
Medication orders legally expire depending on the schedule # and classification:
1- NAME- resident
2- MEDICATION- generic and brand name 3- DOSE- total amount of med to give
4- ROUTE- where the med enters the body
5- TIME- when to give the med
6- REASON- why the med is ordered
remember:
7- REFUSE/KNOW- legal priveledge
8- DOCUMENTATION- complete all on MAR, notes, reports
Job roles, workplace rules/regs infection control, vital signs
Here's an example of how to document on an electronic MAR
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