Regularly Prescribed Over-the-Counter Medications

Purpose

The Division of Developmental Disabilities is providing an interpretation of Administrative Rule 116 concerning the purchase of medications that are regularly available without prescription at a commercial pharmacy.

Background and Explanation

Administrative Rule 116.50 e) permits providers to purchase drugs for stock that are regularly available without prescription at a commercial pharmacy when those medications are prescribed as PRN medications. It has been concluded that drugs that are regularly available without prescription at a commercial pharmacy may also be purchased for stock when they are prescribed and regularly (such as daily, weekly or monthly but not limited to those schedules) scheduled by a physician or any other person licensed to prescribe medications in Illinois.

Process and Procedure

To clarify the requirements for the provider purchase of medications for stock that are regularly available without prescription at a commercial pharmacy when they are prescribed and regularly scheduled, the Division of Developmental Disabilities requires the following:

• All medications must be administered in accordance with the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act [20 ILCS 1705] and the Illinois Nurse Practice Act as required by Administrative Rule 116.50 a).
• For a scheduled (non-PRN) medication, brand name or generic, to meet the criteria for purchase as stock, it must be regularly available without prescription at a commercial pharmacy although it need not be purchased there.
• The medication must be stored in the original container.
• No labeling other than the original container labeling is required. This labeling may not be obscured in any way.
• The prescription instructions, as written by the physician or other person licensed to prescribe medications in Illinois and as interpreted by the Nurse-Trainer, will be placed on the medication administration record (MAR) as required by Administrative Rule 116.70 b) and followed as written.
• All sections of Administrative Rule 116 will apply to the administration of these medications.
• Providers may NOT repackage medications including for home visits.
• The provider should communicate with all appropriate parties regarding regularly prescribed stock medications during an individual's absence from the provider's residential environment such as home visits, Special Olympics, etc.