Ariz. Admin. Code § R9-21-207 - Medication
A. Medication shall
only be administered with the informed consent of the client or Title 36
guardian. Information relating to common risks and side effects of the
medication, the procedures to be taken to minimize such risks, and a
description of any clinical indications that might require suspension or
termination of the drug therapy shall be available to the client, guardian, if
any, and the staff in every mental health agency. Such information shall be
available to family members in accordance with A.R.S. §§
36-504,
36-509,
and
36-517.01.
B. All clients have a right to be free from
unnecessary or excessive medication.
C. Medication shall not be used as
punishment, for the convenience of the staff, or as a substitute for other
behavioral health services and shall be given in the least amount medically
necessary with particular emphasis placed on minimizing side effects which
otherwise would interfere with aspects of treatment.
D. Medication administered by a mental health
agency shall be prescribed by a licensed physician, certified physician
assistant, or a licensed nurse practitioner.
1. Psychotropic medication shall be
prescribed by:
a. A psychiatrist who is a
licensed physician; or
b. A
licensed nurse practitioner, certified physician assistant, or physician
trained or experienced in the use of psychotropic medication, who has seen the
client and is familiar with the client's medical history or, in an emergency,
is at least familiar with the client's medical history.
2. Each client receiving psychotropic
medication shall be seen monthly or as indicated in the client's ISP by a
licensed nurse practitioner, certified physician's assistant or physician
prescribing the medication, who shall note in the client's record:
a. The appropriateness of the current
dosage,
b. All medication being
taken by the client and the appropriateness of the mixture of
medications,
c. Any signs of
tardive dyskinesia or other side effects,
d. The reason for the use of the medication,
and
e. The effectiveness of the
medication.
3. When a
client on psychotropic medication receives a yearly physical examination, the
results of the examination shall be reviewed by the physician prescribing the
medication. The physician shall note any adverse effects of the continued use
of the prescribed psychotropic medication in the client's record.
4. Whenever a prescription for medication is
written or changed, a notation of the medication, dosage, frequency of
administration, and the reason why the medication was ordered or changed shall
be entered in the client's record.
E. Self-administration of medication by
clients shall be permitted unless otherwise restricted by the responsible
physician or licensed nurse practitioner. Such clients shall be trained in
self-administration of medication and, if necessary, shall be monitored by
trained staff.
F. Drugs shall be
stored under proper conditions of sanitation, temperature, light, moisture,
ventilation, segregation and security.
G. PRN orders for medication shall not be
given for a drug used as a restraint.
Notes
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.