(1) The center must develop written medication policies that support and promote safe medication storage and administration for each participant and meet the requirements of chapters 69.41 RCW and 246-88 WAC and other applicable statutes. These policies must be explained and accessible to all staff, contractors, volunteers, and participants that have responsibility in this area.

(2) Participants who need to take medications while at the center, and who are able to self-medicate, must be encouraged and expected to bring and take their own medications as prescribed. Some participants may need assistance with their medications, and some may need to have their medications administered by qualified program staff.

(3) In order for the center staff to administer any prescribed medication, there must be a written authorization from the participant's authorizing practitioner stating that the medication is to be administered at the program site.

(4) Staff must be trained to observe medication usage and effects, and to document and report any concerns or difficulties with medications.

(5) At a minimum, medication policies must include the following:

(a) How medications will be labeled and stored. Medications must be:

(i) Labeled according to your policy including prescribed and over the counter medications;

(ii) Kept in a locked storage area organized so client's medications are not mixed together; and

(iii) If refrigeration is necessary, medications should be in a locked box, if not in a separate refrigerator dedicated to medication refrigeration.

(b) Procedures for administration of medications, including:

(i) What program staff are allowed and able to administer medications and under what circumstances;

(ii) How nonprescription medications such as aspirin or laxatives are to be used; and

(iii) How the administration of medications will be entered in participant case records as described in WAC 388-71-0744.