1. Medication Education Module 5
Leave of Absence
Leave of Absence
Trainer Preparation:
Print for handouts
-MAP Policies 11-1 Leave of Absence, 11-2 Preparation of Medications for LOA, 11-3 Documentation of LOA
-Power point handouts
-Sample agency LOA form
-Print pg 2 “Objectives” to test staff knowledge before and after the training. (Use as your training documentation)

2. Objectives 1. What is a LOA? 2. Who prepares LOA meds?
3. Can staff prepare LOA meds?
4. How is a LOA documented?
5. What about unused meds?
What I know about LOAs before the training: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What I learned about LOAs after the training:

3. Leave of Absence
Meds administered outside of an individual’s residence
Day program
Day-hab
Relative’s home
Outing with MAP Certified staff
Vacation with MAP Certified staff
MAP policy 11-1
For routine absences the pharmacy should “split-package” the medications; one for the residence and one for the day program, day-hab, relative’s home or outing or vacation with MAP Certified staff.
Note: Day-hab regulations do not permit MAP certified staff to administer medications in this setting.
Day program meds cannot be packaged by certified staff under the LOA policy, they must be packaged by the pharmacy.

4. LOA Meds Must be prepared by a pharmacist for
Routine absences less than 72 hrs.
Extended absences (planned or unplanned) greater than 72 hrs.

5. LOA Meds If a LOA is Then unplanned less than 72 hrs.
the pharmacist is unable to prepare the meds
Then
Certified staff may prepare the meds
The Certified or Licensed staff who will be administering the med or transferring the LOA med to the responsible family member should prepare the med.

6. LOA Meds Separate container for each type of med
Package only exact number of doses needed
Transfer medication from original card/container directly into LOA container
You can ask the pharmacy for a supply of containers and blank labels without the pharmacy name and/or directions.
Whenever possible a tamper resistant container should be used, however they are not required.
For all LOA meds, only the exact # of doses necessary for the LOA may be packaged.
What could possibly happen if an extra dose or 2 was prepared and sent “just in case” ? (They would have to be disposed of upon return from the LOA and you then run the risk of running out of medication, which may= medication occurrence!)

7. LOA Meds Copy required information directly on container
Coin envelopes are acceptable
Old used bottles with pharmacy labels may not be used.
New, empty bottles pre-labeled by the pharmacy may not be used.
Pre-labeled coin envelopes or bottles may not be used.

8. Information on Container
Individual’s name
Name and strength of medication
Directions for use
Prescribing HCP name
Date of dispensing
Any cautionary statements
Amount of med in the container
Be sure to include all of this information on the container.

9. LOA Form Must be signed by
The Certified staff handing over the LOA meds and
Responsible party accepting the LOA meds
Signing of the LOA form indicates that the meds have been reviewed, released and accepted.
For home visits, a responsible family member should receive some training on administration of meds and potential side effects.
The certified staff should provide written instructions (including who to call for technical assistance), med information and med information sheets to the person who will be administering the medication during the LOA.
Review your agency LOA form here.

10. LOA Documentation Example of count book documentation.
Page 11
Example of count book documentation.
Countable medications sent on the LOA are subtracted from the count with notation that the meds were removed for the LOA.

11. LOA Documentation Example of med sheet documentation.
LOA is documented in the corresponding date/time box on the MAR.
A corresponding progress note is also written specifying where the individual is.
For example: 9-2-yr 10am- Joseph is home with his family. Karen Mason

12. Unused LOA Medications
Unused oral LOA meds cannot be returned to the program for use
Follow DPH disposal guidelines
Topicals, eye drops, ear drops, inhalers may go back and forth

13. Staffed LOA Vacations Meds are prepared by the pharmacy Copies of
HCP Orders
Medication Sheets
Medication Information Sheets
All policies regarding drug security are observed
List of MAP Consultants
Certified staff should have procedures to follow in the event of a medical emergency.
Copy of current certificate on hand (this can be printed out from the D&S website).

14. Questions