Who can administer medications in long-term care facilities?

In long-term care facilities, the administration of medications is often a collaborative process that considers the best interests and capabilities of the patients. Allowing patients to self-administer medication, especially in cases where they are capable and it is safe to do so, empowers them and can contribute to their overall well-being and independence. This practice is typically supported by interdisciplinary teams, which might include nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals working together to ensure that patients receive the right care according to their individual needs.

The ability for patients to self-administer medications can vary based on the specific regulations of the state and the policies of the facility, but the overarching framework recognizes the role of an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. This team oversight is essential for assessing the patients' abilities to manage their own medications safely.

Other options, such as assigning medication administration solely to registered nurses or physicians, do not account for the potential for patient empowerment and self-management in a long-term care setting. While it is true that nurses and physicians have the training to administer medications, limiting the administration to just one profession does not take full advantage of an interdisciplinary team's ability to assess and tailor individual care effectively. Furthermore, pharmacists play a crucial role in medication management and advising but do not typically