R501-12-10. Medication and Medical Emergencies

  (1) Foster parents shall ensure that prescribed medication is administered according to the written directions of the foster child's health provider.

  (a) Foster parents shall ensure that the foster child actually consumes the medication.

  (b) Foster parents shall report any severe or unexpected side effects or reactions to the foster child's health provider.

  (2) Medication shall only be given to the foster child for whom it was prescribed.

  (3) Medication shall not be discontinued without the approval of the foster child's health provider.

  (4) Non-prescription medications may be administered by foster parents according to manufacturer's instructions unless otherwise directed by the child's health provider.

  (5) Medications shall not be administered or carried by the foster child unless approved in writing by the child's health provider.

  (6) Medication shall not be used for behavior management or restraint unless prescribed in writing by the foster child's health provider and after notification to the Division or Agency worker.

  (7) Medication shall remain locked at all times they are not in immediate, active use.

  (a) Foster parents shall not leave medications in active use unattended.

  (b) If a foster child requires immediate access to the child's medication, including but not limited to a child with asthma or diabetes, foster parents may carry a single dose of medication for active use on the foster parent's person.

  (8) Medications shall remain in the original pharmacy or manufacturer's packaging.

  (a) Foster parents shall not repackage medications or divide doses into alternative containers.

  (b) Foster parents should partner with the pharmacy regarding any needed divisions of medication.

  (9) Foster parents shall promptly take a foster child who has a medical emergency, who is sick, or who is injured, for an assessment by a medical practitioner.

  (10) Foster parents shall comply with the treatment orders of the foster child's health provider.

  (11) When a foster child is no longer placed in the foster parent's home, all unused medications shall be transferred to the caseworker or Agency.