How many states allow- medication aides?

[Theresa A Lang]

I have worked in a state (MN) where TMA (trained medication aids) have passed meds since I became a nurse in 1976. I began working on LTC with TMA's and actually as a new grad the TMA's gave me a better orientation to the medication pass (days of the pill bottles and med cards) then the licensed nurses did.   I must disagree with many of the opinions expressed. The TMA's are only passing meds- they are not interrupted by other things and as a DON/administrator I found that the med aids made fewer med errors than the licensed nurses did. I actually have had TMA's be the ones to figure out that medications had been switched by a licensed nurse i.e.: Lanoxin had been substituted for Ritalin as one example   Where I did see problems is when the TMA was a CNA one day and a TMA the next- the residents would ask him/her for help on days when he/she is passing meds.   I would be interested in knowing how many states have a med aide programs. I think that one may be surprised how many states allow medication aides.   Remember if these aides are passing the meds- the nurses are available to do assessments, charting, physician calls, care planning and everything else that they complain about not having time to do- because they are too busy passing meds. It is great to have a medication aide spend the time with a slow resident who takes one pill at a time in a methodical order or sit with someone who can not be left alone with a nebulizer treatment.   If trained correctly, inserviced annually, and skill checked at least annually- med aids can be a nurses best friend.   Theresa Lang Specialized Medical Services, Inc. Milwaukee WI     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Debbie Nichols Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 12:59 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill? I totally agree.  We spend 2-4 years going to school to become a nurse and then have to take State Boards and they want to give some of that responsibility to C.N.A's who would only have to "complete training".  How long would this training be for? What exactly would the training consist of and how would their knowledge of what they have or haven't learned be tested?  I have not heard of this bill until now but I absolutely do not agree with it and hope that someone comes to their senses and realizes that we are dealing with people's lives and that medication errors can be fatal.  I know that even the best nurse can make a mistake, but I think the chances are less with a nurse as opposed to a C.N.A. who does not have the training a nurse has had.   If I was a C.N.A. I would not even want that kind of responsibility. As a nurse I definitely would not want anyone else passing medications to any of my Residents/Patients.  This bill just doesn't make any sense to me. Debbie Nichols, RN, RAC-C ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 11:42 AM Subject: Re: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill? In a message dated 2/20/2004 5:57:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dar Listmates, I was just reading some bills that might be passed. One is being proposed for 2004. SB492/HB189  "Certified Geriatric Specialists" allowing CNA's to complete training  then being able to administer meds and treatment to residents and would also be counted as licensed nurse for purpose of minimum nursing criteria. Let's ask the rocket scientists who thought up this bill if they would have an individual with a weeks worth of training work on their BMW, Mercedes or Lexus.  It is so obviously a cost cutting ploy with no regard to the whole process of nursing or to the well being of the patient.  Would not want my licence riding on the decision making of a CNA passing meds. Gerald Ferlick, RNAC