FCSVA Psychotropic Medication & Medication Administration Policies

1. FCSVA Psychotropic Medication &Medication Administration Policies Just the Basics for Foster Parents

2. What are Psychotropic Medications • Psychotropic Medication Purpose • Dosage • Side Effects • What to do in Emergencies Part I: Psychotropic Medications Training Agenda

3. Medication Log • Prescription Medication • Special Considerations: Psychotropic Medications • Medication and Respite • Resources Part 2: Documentation/All Medications Training Agenda

4. Part I: Psychotropic Medications Training

5. Psychotropic medication Any medication capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior. From the Greek psycho-, the mind + trop, a turning = (capable of) turning the mind From MedicineNet.com What are Psychotropic Medications

6. Examples of psychotropic medications • Sleep Aids (Ambien, Lunesta) • Antidepressant (Lexapro, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Cymbalta, Effexor, Paxil) • ADD/ADHD Medications (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Straterra) What are Psychotropic Medications

7. Examples of psychotropic medications • Mood Stabilizer (Depakote, Lamictal, Trileptal) • Anti-anxiety (Valium) • Antipsychotic (Abilify, Seroquel, Haldol, Risperdal) What are Psychotropic Medications

8. “[Psychotropic] Medications treat the symptoms of mental disorders. They cannot cure the disorder, but they make people feel better so they can function.” -National Institute of Mental Health website Psychotropic Medication Purpose

9. Doses vary as there are several factors that affect how the medication works • Age, Gender and Weight • Physical Illness • Diet • Drinking/Smoking • Other Medications • Diagnosis • Genetics Dosage

10. It is important that Medications are taken as prescribed • Dosages can be adjusted as needed over time by psychiatrist/physician • Time medication is taken can be adjusted as needed by psychiatrist/physician • Often with a new medication the dosage will be increased gradually • It may take from 4-8 weeks for a medication to have full effect Dosage

11. NEVER, EVER…DON’T DO IT: START a medication OR STOP a medication OR CHANGE dosage amount or time given Without a written doctor’s prescription and talking to FCSVA Case Manager

12. Side Effects Vary by Medication • Ask Psychiatrist/Physician/Pharmacist • Side Effects Vary by Person Side Effects

13. If there are life-threatening effects, • Seek immediate medical attention • Call FCSVA (on-call Case Manager or Case Manager) • Write a Foster Parent Log • If the child refuses to take the medication, • Call FCSVA (on-call Case Manager or Case Manager) • Document on Medication Log • Write a Foster Parent Log Emergencies

14. If you miss administering a dose, • Call FCSVA (on-call Case Manager or Case Manager) • Document on Medication Log • Write a Foster Parent Log Emergencies

15. Part 2: Documentation/All Medications Training

16. Completed when ANY medication is given to a child (including prescription, psychotropic and over-the-counter) • Filled out EACH time the medication is given Medication Log

17. Initial Each Time You Administer a Medication • Fill Out Completely • Due to Child’s Case Manager by the fifth of the following month Medication Log

18. Reminders Medication and Dosage Info Time of Day Medication given Example 8:00 AM, 6:00 PM Date of the Month that the Medication was given Basic Identifying Information with child’s Name, the Month and Year of the Medication Log and Foster Parent Signature. This information should be completely filled out each month Let’s Take a look at the Pieces of the Medication Log Your Initials go in the box under the day and beside the time that you gave the medication

19. FCSVA must have a copy of the prescription for ALL medication prescribed • For non-psychotropic medications, a copy of the pharmacy document or actual prescription • For a psychotropic medication, FCSVA must have an actual copy of the prescription (Each Time psychiatrist/physician writes one) Prescription Medications

20. FCSVA Must have a Signed consent to administer psychotropic medication on file for EACH medication and dosage BEFORE it can be given to the foster child • FCSVA Must have a copy of the Actual prescription for EACH medication and dosage BEFORE it can be given to the foster child Special Considerations: Psychotropic Medications

21. If this gets signed by psychiatrist, this can substitute for the actual prescription.

22. NEVER, EVER…DON’T DO IT: START a psychotropic OR CHANGE dosage amount or time given Until FCSVA has a signed Consent to Administer and copy of prescription on file

23. When the child goes on respite • ALL medication should be given to respite foster parent • Medications must be taken in original containers, so that respite foster parent can see prescription instructions • Medication Logs must be completed by respite foster parents. Medications and Respite

24. NEVER, EVER…DON’T DO IT: SEND medication in plastic bag OR LEAVE medicationpackedwith cloths OR LET child store medicines

25. Download Medication Logs and Consent to Administer Forms off FCSVA’s website • www.fcsva.org • National Institute of Mental Health • http://www.nimh.nih.gov • National Alliance on Mental Illness • http://www.nami.org Resources