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I'm an aide in an ALF and there were times they wanted me to pass out medication but I refused because I thought I was supposed to be certified Med tech in order to administer medications. Is there a reason for it or is that a way a facility saves money instead of hiring a RN or certified and trained med tech to give meds?

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Check to see what the regulations are in your State. There is a VERY good possibility that what you are being asked to do is not legal. (and it might possibly cost you your certification if something happened)
If that is the case you are well within your right to refuse to pass medications.
If the State does allow it you can say that you are uncomfortable passing medications.
I know where I am a CNA can not "give" medication to a patient. They can put it in front of the patient and the patient must then pick up the medication and take it. That is in a Facility. In a private home the rules are a bit different I can ask a caregiver or CNA that is working for me to give medications.
All Facilities SHOULD have an RN on staff, on duty at all times. I am not sure if the regulations would consider a RN giving medication to a CNA or Aide who then gives the meds to the patient legal.
I just did a quick Google search and in the State where I am, Illinois it is not legal for an Aide, CNA...to give medication, they can only remind and if necessary assist with opening a container if the patient is unable to.
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I would report this. It is not really legal in most states to have those untrained or unqualified passing out medications. It is easy enough to train someone as a med tech. I would quietly ask around in your area where this is best to be reported. While Assisted Living Facilities are not required to be following the same rules as Nursing Homes, they are not allowed to in general break the law.
I hope others can guide you in exactly how or where to report this. I caution you to be careful as regards your own job.
I do know that in my brother's Assisted Living there were trained med techs. These folks were promoted from within in that they were already certified, or the facility paid for their education when they had someone who was a great employee, and this acted as a promotion, though I can tell you that there was no appreciable raise in pay. There was a raise, but not a whole lot.
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I agree, check with your State Nursing Board. Thats who Certifies CNAs in my state. CNAs are not suppose to distribute meds unless, like u said, they are Medtechs.

You may want to find where u can be trained as a Medtech. Seems to be the big thing now in ALs at least.
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