QMA

Qualified Medication Aide Responsibilities

Observe and report to the facility's licensed nurse any reactions and side effects to medications exhibited by a resident.

Measure and document vital signs prior to the administration of medication that could affect or change the vital signs. Report any abnormalities to the licensed nurse that would prohibit medication administration.

Administer regularly prescribed medications which the QMA has been trained to administer only after personally preparing (setting up) the medication to be administered. The QMA shall document in the Clinical record all medications that the QMA personally administered.

Initiate oxygen per nasal cannula or non-sealing mask only in an emergency. Immediately after the emergency, the QMA shall verbally notify the licensed nurse on duty and document the action & notification.

Obtain oxygen saturation utilizing an oximeter & report results to a licensed nurse.

Apply physician ordered oral, ophthalmic, otic, nasal, vaginal, & rectal medications.

Crush and administer medications if such preparation is appropriate per manufacturer's instructions or physician orders.

Count, administer & document controlled substances.

Administer medications per G-tube or J-tube.

Administer previously ordered PRN medication only if authorization is obtained from the licensed nurse on duty. If authorization is obtained, the QMA must follow their scope of practice when administering PRN meds.

Apply topical medications to minor skin conditions such as dermatitis, scabies, pediculosis, fungal infection, psoriasis, eczema, first degree burn, or stage one pressure ulcer.

Administer medication via metered dose inhaler.

Conduct hemoccult testing & report results to the licensed nurse.

Conduct finger stick blood glucose testing & report the results to the licensed nurse.

Apply a dressing to a minor skin tear that has been assessed by a licensed nurse.

Provide ordered site care to a healed G-tube or J-tube site.

Empty & change colostomy bag.

Instill a commercially prepared disposable enema (approximately 120ml or 4.5ounces) after the resident has been assessed by a licensed nurse (for bowel sounds & potential impaction) and the licensed nurse has instructed the QMA to instill the enema.

Administer a sitz bath, if ordered by the physician, & report any unusual observations to the licensed nurse.

Apply cold, dry compress as directed by the physician or by the licensed nurse in emergency situations requiring first aide treatment.

Collect fecal or urine specimens as ordered by physician.

Document in the Clinical Records/Progress Notes the QMA observations, including what the QMA sees, hears or smells & document what is reported to the QMA by the resident.

The QMA must obtain a minimum of 6 hours of in-service training per year to include Medication administration, finger stick blood glucose testing, Hemoccult testing, & Medication administration via G-tube/J-tube.

Prepare thickened liquids as ordered.

Assist licensed nurse in giving shift report.

Maintains confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information to assure resident rights are protected.

Performs duties of CNA when assigned by the supervisor.

Report any malfunctioning equipment.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

The QMA may not:

a. Take phone, verbal, or fax orders from MD or NP.

b. Perform sterile dressings &/or procedures.

c. Administer IV or central line medications.

d. Administer nebulizer treatments.

e. Perform resident assessments.

f. Administer injections