What should medication dosage be filed as?

Filing medication dosage exactly as prescribed, unless instructed otherwise, is critical for ensuring patient safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. This approach maintains consistency in the administration of medication, which is essential in managing a resident’s health, particularly in the case of individuals with dementia.

When medications are taken as prescribed, it aligns with the healthcare provider's intention for treatment, ensuring that the right dosage, frequency, and duration are followed as deemed necessary based on the resident's specific medical needs.

While it may seem reasonable to consider recommendations from the resident, this can lead to inconsistencies and potential harm, as residents might not fully understand their health conditions or the implications of altering dosages. Additionally, independent decisions made by unlicensed personnel or relying solely on healthcare provider discretion without clear instructions can also pose significant risks. Therefore, adhering to the prescribed dosages is the most reliable standard for medication filing in direct care settings.