Section 440IAC9-2-12. Medication evaluation and monitoring

   (a) Managed care providers and community mental health centers shall provide or arrange for the provision of medication evaluation and monitoring according to the standards set out in this section. Managed care providers and community mental health centers shall ensure that their subcontractors who provide medication evaluation and monitoring also meet the same standards.

  (b) Medication evaluation and monitoring includes the following:

(1) Assessment of the need for medication.

(2) Prescription of medications by staff with license to prescribe medications.

(3) Dispensing or administration of prescribed medications.

(4) Monitoring of medications by qualified direct care staff.

  (c) Goals of services, developed with the consumer, shall be directed toward maximizing consumer's functioning and reducing symptoms and side effects.

  (d) Medication evaluation shall be planned and carried out by staff with license to prescribe medications.

  (e) Medication evaluation assessments shall include the following:

(1) A comprehensive mental health or behavioral assessment, or both.

(2) A physical health screen with referral for physical examination when clinically indicated.

(3) The review of all drugs used, their effects, side effects, and contraindications, including interactions with over-the-counter drugs and other substances.

(4) Consideration of consumer preferences as evidenced by documentation.

  (f) The agency shall provide education regarding prescribed medication, including the following:

(1) Education of the consumer and, with the consumer's consent, the consumer's family or legal representative regarding the targeted symptoms, medications prescribed, possible side effects, and interactions with over-the-counter drugs and other substances.

(2) Education of other agency direct care staff regarding psychotropic medications, possible side effects, and interactions with over-the-counter drugs and other substances.

  (g) Each agency shall develop policies and procedures regarding the administration, dispensing, and monitoring of prescribed medications.

  (h) Medication monitoring shall include the following:

(1) Coordination with the primary health care provider based on the needs of the consumer.

(2) Observation, in the natural environment, of the consumer taking his or her medication if the need for compliance monitoring is indicated by the individual's level of functioning.

  (i) Medication monitoring shall be provided by qualified staff, which may include case managers with training and demonstrated competence.

  (j) Each agency shall have a plan to assist indigent consumers to access psychotropic medications.

  (k) Documentation of assessments, prescriptions, administration, dispensing, and monitoring of medications shall:

(1) be legible and complete;

(2) identify target symptoms and measurable goals for medications;

(3) include notes reflecting progress toward goals; and

(4) note adverse reactions to medications.

(Division of Mental Health and Addiction; 440 IAC 9-2-12; filed Jan 2, 2003, 10:12 a.m.: 26 IR 1942; readopted filed Apr 7, 2008, 3:40 p.m.: 20080507-IR-440070745RFA; readopted filed Aug 11, 2014, 11:21 a.m.: 20140910-IR-440140240RFA)