R501-12-11. Medication and Medical Emergencies

(1) The foster parent shall ensure the following regarding medications and medical emergencies: (a) prescribed medication is administered according to the written directions of the foster child's health provider; (b) the foster child consumes the medication; (c) any severe or unexpected side effects or reactions are immediately reported to the foster child's health provider; (d) medication is only given to the foster child for whom it was prescribed; (e) medication is not discontinued without the approval of the foster child's health provider; (f) non-prescription medication is administered by the foster parent according to manufacturer's instructions unless otherwise directed by the foster child's health provider; (g) medication is not administered or carried by the foster child, unless approved in-writing by the foster child's health provider; (h) medication is not used for behavior management or restraint unless prescribed in-writing by the foster child's health provider and after notification to the division or caseworker; (i) medication remains locked at times it is not in immediate, active use; (j) medication in active use is not left unattended and the foster parent may not abuse or misuse prescription or non-prescription drugs or medications; (k) the foster parent may carry a necessary dose of medication for active use, if a foster child requires immediate access to their medication for asthma, allergies, diabetes or other condition requiring urgent administration of the medication; (l) medication remains in the original pharmacy or manufacturer's packaging; (m) the foster parent may not repackage medications or divide doses into alternative containers; (n) the foster parent partners with the pharmacy regarding any needed divisions of medication; (o) the foster parent promptly takes a foster child who has a medical emergency, who is sick, or who is injured, for an assessment by a medical practitioner; and (p) the foster parent complies with the treatment orders of the foster child's health provider. (2) The foster parent shall transfer any unused medication to the caseworker or agency when a foster child is no longer placed in the foster parent's home. (3) The foster parent shall have a written plan for medical emergencies, including arrangements for medical transportation, treatment, and care.