ativan gel

[lmss]

Does anyone know if there is consent needed in NJ to use Ativan gel?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Does anyone know if there is consent needed in NJ to use Ativan gel?

Use it for what? Off label use of medications in facilities is covered under treatment agreements. Investigational use requires informed consent

[lmss]

Not for off label or investigational purposes. Just for use when we have a resident who is combative/agitated/ and less than willing to take anything PO

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If used as a chemical restraint check your facility policy or risk management.

[lmss]

thank you. I was just wondering if it was a state regulation?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Check with dept of health & senior services division of LTC licensing to be certain.

[MunoRN, RN]

You need consent to give any medication, regardless of route. You can give a medication without consent, although there are various rules/regulations that have to be followed depending the situation, which vary from state to state.

In an acute situation a Physician, or sometimes two as required, can declare medical necessity. Typically if it's an ongoing thing (having to give meds without consent), then there is a legal process involved to remove the patient's decision making capacity, although even in that situation the patient is assigned POA or proxy and consent must be obtained from them.