[waam]

I am a KY nurse who has been advocating for legislative changes that would enforce mandatory training (approved by the BON) for UAP administering medication and supervision of the UAP by a nurse (RN or LPN under the supervision of an RN). I have been working on this for 3 years. There are stumbling blocks at every turn. I have advocated at the BON level, the Cabinet for Health Services, and with my legislators. UAP with little or no training and no supervision by a nurse are administering medications (sometimes called medication "self-administeration") in residential programs for individuals with mental retardation, assisted livings, personal care homes, and other settings. Many of these individuals function at a very low level cognitively so the concept of medication "self-administration" is a joke. There are powerful lobbyists from large corporations and likely conficts of interest at the state level that resist all changes. This practice is extremely dangerous and results in death and injury to populations largely unable to advocate for themselves. Any suggestions as to how to proceed? Has anyone else dealt with this? I am a KNA and ANA member but have had little success using this approach as well. There are strong political connections everywhere I turn.