Bust Out The Meds!

Attention occupational therapy practitioners in Washington State: get ready to administer some medication! (Within the legal confines of a new law authorizing the purchase, storage, and administration of medications by occupational therapists, of course).

The little bill that could, HB 1041: pre-filed for introduction on December 11, 2008 by WOTA lobbyistMark Gjurasic, steadfastly lobbied for over the course of four long months, and signed into law by Governor Gregoire on April 13, 2009, will officially go into effect this Sunday, July 26th.

I am pleased to report that earlier this month the Washington State OT Practice Board decided that they are not going to write separate rules for the law (at least at present time). This means that the statute will stand exactly as it was passed by the legislature. Facilities are free to address the details of implementing the legislation at their specific practice site, as long as facility rules conform to the State law. As time goes by, the Practice Board may decide additional rules must be set in place to further regulate the administration of medication. In this vein, facilities where OTs plan to administer medication on a frequent basis may consider preemptively developing express protocol regarding the administration of medication.

As it stands, the new law reads as follows:

“An occupational therapist licensed under this chapter may purchase, store, and administer topical and transdermal medications such as hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, fluocinonide, topical anesthetics, lidocaine, magnesium sulfate, and other similar medications for the practice of occupational therapy as prescribed by a health care provider with prescribing authority as authorized in RCW 18.59.100. Administration of medication must be documented in the patient’s medical record. Some medications may be applied by the use of iontophoresis and phonophoresis. An occupational therapist may not purchase, store, or administer controlled substances. A pharmacist who dispenses such drugs to a licensed occupational therapist is not liable for any adverse reactions caused by any method of use by the occupational therapist. Application of a prescribed medication to a wound as authorized in this statute does not constitute wound care management.”

Thanks to everyone whose hard work and dedication made this law possible!