1. Purpose
This policy describes how [Organisation Name] safely supports participants with their medication. It supports NDIS Practice Standard 4.3 and aligns with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission's expectations for medication assistance.
2. Scope
Applies to all workers who store, prompt, administer, or transport medication on behalf of a participant.
3. Scope of Practice
- Workers do not prescribe medication
- Workers do not change a prescribed dose, route, or schedule
- Workers assist with medication only where the participant's support plan documents the level of assistance required and any specific instructions from the participant's health practitioner
4. Practices
4.1 Medication Information
- The participant's medication list is current and accessible to relevant workers
- Webster packs or dose-administration aids prepared by a pharmacist are preferred for prompted assistance
- PRN (as-required) medication has explicit written instructions from the prescriber including dose, indication, maximum frequency, and escalation triggers
4.2 Worker Competence
- Workers complete medication-assistance training before providing assistance
- Annual refresher training is required
- Worker competency is verified before they assist a new participant
4.3 Administration
- Right participant, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation is checked at every assistance
- Medication is signed off in the participant's medication record at the time of assistance
- Refusals are documented and the prescriber notified per the participant's instructions
4.4 Storage and Transport
- Medication is stored in a locked container at the participant's home or service site as agreed with the participant
- Cold-chain medications are stored according to manufacturer instructions
- Medication transported on community access is carried in a secure container and signed in and out
4.5 Errors and Adverse Events
- Medication errors or adverse reactions are escalated immediately to the prescriber and emergency services as needed
- Events are reported under the Incident Management Policy
- Where the event meets the reportable incident threshold, it is notified to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours
5. Records
Medication records, training records, and incident records are retained for 7 years.
6. Related Policies
- Incident Management Policy
- Human Resource Management Policy
- Information Management Policy
- Safe Environment Policy
7. Review
Reviewed annually or after a significant medication event.
This template is provided by GuardRail as general guidance only. Organisations should customise it and have it reviewed by a legal professional before adoption.