DHS-approved RN Nurse-Trainers are required by Illinois Nurse Practice Act and Administrative Rule 116 and DDD Information Bulletin DD 12.020 - Rule 116: Medication Administration in Specific Community Settings to teach DSPs, qualified and authorized to safely administer medications to people with developmental disabilities. RN Nurse-Trainers will also teach DSPs:
- Health and safety factors that affect the administration of specific medications to specific individuals.
- Correct and safe procedures for administering medications to minimize health and safety risks and errors.
- How to recognize and report medical and medication-related observations and medication errors to the RN Nurse-trainer.
Required Training
The Division of Developmental Disabilities must approve all Nurse-Trainers. The approval process includes mandatory completion of the Medication Adminstration DHS Nurse-Trainer Program and Self-Administration of Medication Assessment (MA/SAMA) training.
Recommended Courses
Sign up for RN Communication
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Bureau of Clinical Services (BCS) has recognized a need for RN Communications, a publication specific to RN Trainers. This publication will be sent once a month starting in May 2025. Those subscribed to the RN Communications email list should expect to receive pertinent and relevant information to the field.
Contact for Questions or Assistance
IDHS Statewide Nursing Coordinator:
