Full Policy: Medication support is delivered safely, accurately, and respectfully. Staff must follow the 6 Rights of Medication: right person, right medication, right dose, right time, right route, right documentation. Medication support is only provided by trained, competent staff. All medication changes must be authorised by a prescriber. Staff must record all medication support immediately on the MAR chart. Any concerns about medication must be reported to a manager without delay.

⭐ 1. PRN MEDICATION POLICY

Category: Medication Management Summary: PRN medication must be administered only when clinically appropriate and in line with the person’s PRN protocol.

Full Policy: PRN medication requires a clear PRN protocol describing when it should be given, how it works, and when to seek medical advice. Staff must document the reason for giving PRN medication and the outcome. PRN medication must never be given routinely. Managers must review PRN usage weekly to identify patterns or concerns.

⭐ 2. MAR CHART POLICY

Category: Medication Management Summary: MAR charts provide a complete, accurate record of medication administration and are essential for safety and compliance.

Full Policy: A MAR chart must be completed for every individual receiving medication support. Staff must record medication administration immediately after giving the medication. Missed doses must be clearly documented with a reason code. MAR charts must be reviewed daily by senior staff. Errors must be reported and investigated. Digital MAR charts must be backed up and accessible to managers.

⭐ 3. PRN MEDICATION POLICY

Category: Medication Management Summary: PRN medication must be administered only when clinically appropriate and in line with the person’s PRN protocol.

Full Policy: PRN medication requires a clear PRN protocol describing when it should be given, how it works, and when to seek medical advice. Staff must document the reason for giving PRN medication and the outcome. PRN medication must never be given routinely. Managers must review PRN usage weekly to identify patterns or concerns.

⭐ 4. CONTROLLED DRUGS POLICY

Category: Medication Management Summary: Controlled drugs require strict handling, storage, and recording to ensure safety and legal compliance.

Full Policy: Controlled drugs must be stored in a locked container. Two staff must check and record administration. Stock levels must be counted and recorded daily. Any discrepancy must be reported immediately. Controlled drugs must be disposed of using authorised methods.

⭐ 5. COVERT MEDICATION POLICY

Category: Medication Management Summary: Covert medication must only be used following a formal best‑interest decision and multidisciplinary agreement.

Full Policy: Covert medication must never be used without a documented best‑interest decision. A capacity assessment must be completed. A GP, pharmacist, and family/advocate must be involved. The method of disguising medication must be safe and approved by a pharmacist. Covert medication plans must be reviewed monthly.

⭐ 6. MEDICATION ERROR & REPORTING POLICY

Category: Medication Management Summary: Medication errors must be reported immediately, investigated, and used to improve practice.

Full Policy: Medication errors include missed doses, wrong doses, wrong medication, wrong time, or incorrect documentation. Staff must report errors immediately to a manager. Managers must assess the person for harm and seek medical advice if needed. All errors must be recorded, investigated, and reviewed for learning. Repeated errors require retraining and competency checks.

⭐ 7. HOMELY REMEDIES POLICY

Category: Medication Management Summary: Homely remedies may be used safely when authorised by a GP and documented in the care plan.

Full Policy: Homely remedies must be approved by a GP and listed in the homely remedies protocol. Staff must record administration on the MAR chart. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, medical advice must be sought. Homely remedies must be stored safely and checked monthly.

⭐ 8. MEDICATION STORAGE & DISPOSAL POLICY

Category: Medication Management Summary: Medication must be stored securely and disposed of safely to prevent harm.

Full Policy: Medication must be stored in a cool, dry, locked location. Expired or discontinued medication must be returned to a pharmacy. Staff must never dispose of medication in household waste. Medication storage areas must be checked weekly. Temperature checks must be recorded.

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