Dr. orders for OTC meds

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I feel very incompetent in even asking this question but had little to no training to home health.

Is it required to have dr. orders for items such as tylenol or stool softener in the home health field? Please provide me the regulations that require or not required info is if possible.

Lots of debate going on in our office right now.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

In traditional home health (skilled intermittent visits) or private duty (shift work )?

If PDN then Yes. Just like you need an order for APAP in the hospital setting you do for a nurse to administer in PDN/home health.

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Specializes in ICU.

Yes, even in skilled visits. It's really annoying. They can feel free to go buy it themselves, but if they ask if they can have Tylenol or colace, you technically have to call the do for and ask.

i tell them with a big smile on my face " I'm not a doctor and I can't prescribe" and they usually get it it.

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thank you for the input!

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Specializes in Home health, Addictions, Detox, Psych and clinics..

Yes you need one to be able to fill a med box and or administer personally. Always an order to fill or give virtually anything even a supplement like a vitamin :)

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Specializes in Pedi.

If you are going to administer it or do teaching on it then yes. If I admit a patient and they tell me they take Tylenol or Ibuprofen PRN, I just put it on the 485. The patient is, of course, free to purchase this medication OTC and take it as he pleases.

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