Yesterday, we met with DODD and the OACB to discuss recent medication error directives from county boards, resulting from a MAIS memo sent out by a county board of DD. Some counties have been directing providers to begin documenting ALL med errors in the MAIS system.

We would like to reiterate that this memo was not issued by DODD.

Providers should of course, follow the rule. The rule does not require documentation of all med errors in the MAIS. The rule states:

If the employer of developmental disabilities personnel believes or is notified by the county board, the department, a delegating nurse, or the quality assessment registered nurse that developmental disabilities personnel have not safely performed or will not safely perform health-related activities, or have not safely administered or will not safely administer prescribed medication, the employer shall:

(a) Prohibit the action from commencing or continuing;

(b) Immediately male other staffing arrangements so that performance of health-related activities or administration of prescribed medication are completed as prescribed, including compliance with the requirements of this chapter;

(c) If applicable, immediately notify the county board via the major unusual incident reporting system pursuant to rule 5123:2-17-02 of the Administrative Code; if applicable, the county board shall notify the quality assessment registered nurse; and

(d) If applicable, immediately notify the delegating nurse

(e) Enter a notation in the certification record of the developmental disabilities personnel in the medication administration information system database described in rule 5123:2-6-07 of the Administrative Code

The rule allows for employer discretion. Medication errors are currently documented in UIR’s and serious issues are reported through the MUI system. Providers should not be expected to enter the same information into 2 separate systems unless the incident rises to a level that places an employee’s certification in question. You should do what you feel best meets compliance requirements. If however, you are experiencing pressure to enter all med errors into MAIS and this has not been your practice, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance.

We will be having follow up meetings with DODD to determine the need for further clarification, possible rule changes or possible changes to MAIS. DODD is aware that we are sending this correspondence. OPRA and OACB are in agreement on the above. OACB will have further communication with their membership about this issue. Thanks everyone and let me know if you have any questions.

Anita Allen

Vice President

Ohio Provider Resource Association

1152 Goodale Blvd

Columbus  OH    43212

614-224-6772 x110

614-655-0170 direct

614-224-3340 fax

The Trusted Voice for Providers Serving Ohioans with Disabilities for over 40 Years.