Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

What is the appropriate action when a resident leaves behind medication?

1. Mail the medication to her new facility

2. Notify her and destroy the medications after 45 days

3. Donate the medication to another resident

4. Destroy the medications within 30 days and document it

The correct answer is: Destroy the medications within 30 days and document it

The correct action when a resident leaves behind medication is to destroy the medications within 30 days and document it. This approach is grounded in safety and compliance with medication disposal regulations. When a resident departs from an assisted living facility, any leftover medications pose a potential risk for misuse or accidental ingestion by others. Destroying the medications minimizes these risks. Furthermore, documenting the destruction process is crucial for maintaining accurate records and ensuring accountability, which is especially important in a healthcare setting. Other options would lead to issues of compliance and safety. Mailing medication to another facility does not guarantee safe handling or proper oversight. Notifying the resident and holding the medication for 45 days opens the possibility for misuse during that time and potentially violates regulations regarding medication management. Donating medications, unless in a controlled and regulated environment, could pose serious health risks and legal issues, as medications are typically not safe for transfer between individuals without oversight.