The assisted living facility must generally provide medications in the form they are prescribed when administering medications or providing medication assistance to a resident. The assisted living facility may provide medications in an altered form consistent with the following:
(1) Alteration includes, but is not limited to, crushing tablets, cutting tablets in half, opening capsules, mixing powdered medications with foods or liquids, or mixing tablets or capsules with foods or liquids.
(2) Residents must be aware that the medication is being altered or added to their food.
(3) A pharmacist or other practitioner practicing within their scope of practice must determine that it is safe to alter a medication.
(4) If the medication is altered, documentation of the appropriateness of the alteration must be on the prescription container, or in the resident's record.
(5) Alteration of medications for self-administration with assistance is provided in accordance with chapter
246-888 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter
18.20 RCW. WSR 13-13-063, § 388-78A-2250, filed 6/18/13, effective 7/19/13. Statutory Authority: RCW
18.20.090 (2004 c 142 § 19) and chapter
18.20 RCW. WSR 04-16-065, § 388-78A-2250, filed 7/30/04, effective 9/1/04.]