NURSING HMS-DISPENSE MEDICINE

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall develop a training program for authorized direct care staff to administer oral and topical medications under the supervision and monitoring of a registered professional nurse in facilities licensed under the Act. Provides criteria for non-licensed authorized direct care staff. Provides for annual re-evaluation of authorized direct care staff and for quarterly quality assurance reviews. Provides that a registered professional nurse, advanced practice nurse, physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, or physician assistant shall be on duty or on call at all times in a facility allowing non-licensed authorized direct care staff to administer medications. Provides that the facility shall be responsible for maintaining liability insurance for such a program.