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 Medication Special Considerations: Psychotropic Medications Medication and Respite Resources

Part I: Psychotropic Medications Training

What are Psychotropic Medications 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

What are Psychotropic Medications Examples of psychotropic medications Sleep Aids (Ambien, Lunesta) Antidepressant (Lexapro, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Cymbalta, Effexor, Paxil) ADD/ADHD Medications (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Straterra)

What are Psychotropic Medications 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…DONT DO IT: START a medication OR STOP a medication OR CHANGE dosage amount or time given Without a written doctors 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 Completely Due to Childs 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 Name of Medication: Dosage and number times a day Does FCSVA have a copy of prescription on file? Name of Medication: Dosage and number times a day Does FCSVA have a copy of prescription on file? Name of Medication: Dosage and number times a day Does FCSVA have a copy of prescription on file? Name of Medication: Dosage and number times a day Does FCSVA have a copy of prescription on file? Name of Medication: Dosage and number times a day Does FCSVA have a copy of prescription on file? 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 Lets Take a look at the Pieces of the Medication Log Basic Identifying Information with childs 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

If this gets signed by psychiatrist, this can substitute for the actual prescription.

NEVER, EVER…DONT DO IT: 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.

NEVER, EVER…DONT DO IT: 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 FCSVAs website National Institute of Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Illness