Safe medication. Safe clients. Stronger recovery. Covenant BHRF is committed to the safe management, administration, and monitoring of all medications in compliance with AHCCCS standards, the Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C. R9-10-702, 703, 707, 715, 814), and best practices for behavioral health residential facilities.
The Medication Management Process
Medication Received
All medications arrive in original labeled containers from the pharmacy with a prescriber's order, and staff inspect and verify each medication upon arrival.
Documentation
Records include prescriber name and contact, medication name, dose, route, frequency, purpose, diagnosis when available, and date prescribed.
Registered on the MAR
Medications are entered on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) before any administration; every administration is recorded in real time.
Five Rights Check
Every time: right client, right medication, right dose, right route, right time.
Storage & Security
All medications are stored in a locked medication cabinet at controlled room temperature, with separate storage for PRN and controlled substances and access limited to authorized staff.
Client Assistance
Clients may self-administer with staff supervision if approved. Staff provide assistance, encouragement, and monitor compliance, offering medication at scheduled times.
Counted & Monitored
Medications are counted at every administration and monitored for accuracy, effectiveness, and safety. Discrepancies are reported immediately.
Key Safeguards
Opioid Medication Policy
All opioid medications are administered by trained staff. Clients are not permitted to self-administer opioid medications.
Continuous Monitoring
Medications are administered as prescribed, at the correct time, and documented immediately on the MAR.
Weekly Medication Check
Every Friday, all medications are checked for expired medications, low stock and refills needed, expiring prescriptions, and medication count accuracy.
Learning & Empowerment
Clients are always taught why they take each medication, how it works, when and how to take it, and the importance of consistency.
Side Effects & Symptoms
All side effects, adverse reactions, or changes in symptoms are reported immediately, documented in progress notes, and communicated to the prescriber.
Emergency Response
For an allergic reaction or severe side effect we call 911, report immediately to the nurse practitioner, document the incident on the MAR and in notes, notify family or guardian if applicable, and follow emergency plan procedures.
Prescription Requirements
- Written order or e-prescription from a licensed prescriber
- Includes medication name, dose, route, frequency, and purpose
- Includes prescriber's name, phone, and date
- Emergency prescriptions must be verified within 72 hours
- MAR errors corrected with a single line through, initialed and dated
Client Rights & Responsibilities
Your rights:
- Safe and proper medication management
- To be informed about your medications
- To report side effects
- Privacy and respect
Your responsibilities:
- Provide accurate information
- Take medications as prescribed
- Attend appointments
- Report side effects immediately
- Do not share medications
Staff Responsibilities & Compliance
- Follow policy and procedures
- Maintain confidentiality
- Document accurately
- Report concerns immediately
- Educate and support clients
Quality and compliance are maintained through regular staff training, policy reviews and updates, internal audits and monitoring, and AHCCCS compliance. Medication policy violations are addressed progressively — from re-education and counseling through loss of self-administration privileges, treatment team review, and, for continued critical violations, administrative discharge.