How should a CMA store medications?

Storing medications in a locked cabinet or container is essential for ensuring the safety and proper management of pharmaceuticals. This practice prevents unauthorized access, which is crucial because medications can be harmful if misused. Additionally, a locked storage solution helps in maintaining the integrity of the medications, protecting them from environmental factors and minimizing the risk of theft or abuse.

This method aligns with best practices and regulatory standards that emphasize patient safety and security. Medications, particularly those that are controlled substances or which have the potential for adverse effects, require careful storage to uphold the responsibility of the medication aide to safeguard the health and well-being of residents.

Storing medications openly or in places easily accessible poses risks as it increases the likelihood of accidental ingestion or misuse. Likewise, keeping medications in the refrigerator alongside food items can lead to contamination and loss of medication efficacy. Storing them on a shelf in a resident's room may not provide adequate security and could easily lead to unauthorized access, thereby compromising their safety.