We all know it can be difficult to get motivated and start new projects during the summer because excessive heat makes us feel tired. However, the summer months are the perfect time to review your community for regulation compliance – it’s a beneficial project that keeps you indoors!
Staying within regulation compliance in Georgia can be a challenging task since there is always something new to do. In order to make this process easier for our communities, we have developed a checklist to help guide you in your own compliance review.
If you are licensed as a PCH:
-Make sure all medication staff has proof of medication education in their files. Guardian Atlanta provides you with a state-compliant education checklist signed by our instructors. While you are in staff member’s personnel files, don’t forget to also check for CPR and other required training.
-If you are using proxy caregivers for selected health maintenance activities, make sure each candidate has the required proxy checklists completely filled out by an RN or pharmacist. Be sure they have been skills checked within one year.
-Look for informed consents and make sure they are up-to-date with the names of staff and the health maintenance activities you are providing.
-Review care plans for the residents that need proxy caregivers. Make sure they are complete, up-to-date and signed by the MD.
-Check your e-MARs for current allergies, room numbers, diagnoses, diets and current orders that are to be sent to the pharmacy for printing.
If you are a licensed as an AL:
-Make sure you have at least one Georgia Certified Medication Aide and each CMA has record of the required education in their personnel files. Guardian Atlanta has registered instructors on staff to help complete the CMA program.
-Check the files for a CMA’s skills checklist and make sure there is one for each year. If the CMA came to you already certified, then make sure you have verification of their certification in good standing. They will need a skills check done at your community.
-Verify aides are current with both their CNA and their CMA certifications. This can be done online.
-Make sure all medications are in packaging, even over the counter (OTC). This is a requirement.
-As with a PCH, check your e-MARs for current allergies, room numbers, diagnoses, diets and current orders that are to be sent to the pharmacy for printing.
Following these steps can help assure complete compliance with your licensing regulations. Guardian Pharmacy of Atlanta would love to partner with you in your medication and regulatory compliance. For questions or more information about our programs, please call Lori Newcomb, RPh, CGP at 404-309-4958.