What are time frames for implementation of medication orders?
While such time frames are not specified in rule, it is highly recommended that the facility’s policies and procedures address time lapse for starting administration of new orders such as emergency or stat orders, antibiotics, routine medication and methods of legal borrowing of doses. The type of medication as well as the resident’s condition should be considered. For example, the facility’s policy for medications prescribed for acute problems such as antibiotics would require a more timely start of administration than for routine medications or those for chronic conditions. It is recommended that the facility get the assistance of a licensed health professional, such as a pharmacist, in determining an appropriate lapse time for starting new orders since it is the facility’s responsibility to assure the availability of medication in a time frame that would not put the residents’ health or safety at risk.
