Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:00 AM AWST
23/07/2026 5:00 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Manage medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health care
Manage medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health care
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHW606B
HLTAHW606B
State Code
D5719
D5719
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2011
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
26/07/2011
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the application of skills and knowledge in the use of medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health careIt describes the skills and knowledge required for a safe level of independent practice under the supervision of a medical practitioner
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine medication requirements
- 1.1 Compile a detailed medication history in line with organisational policies and procedures
- 1.2 Correctly interpret written medicines orders in consultation with medical practitioners and other senior health staff as required
- 1.3 Apply accurate calculations and measures in the use of medicines
2. Educate clients in use of medicines
- 2.1 Identify varieties of traditional/bush medicines commonly used in the local community
- 2.2 Promote the role of traditional healers and use of traditional/bush medicines consistent with local beliefs and practices as an adjunct to western medical treatment
- 2.3 Provide clients with plain language information based on interpretation of appropriate reference sources relating to mechanisms of action, dosing and common side effects of commonly used medicines
- 2.4 Obtain feedback from client to determine their understanding of information provided
- 2.5 Teach clients as required how to swallow tablets and capsules and how to correctly use metered dose aerosol inhalers and spacer devices
- 2.6 Provide clients with information about obtaining prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
3. Administer medications safely and manage reactions
- 3.1 Administer medications by appropriate methods observing universal precautions and in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements
- 3.2 Identify potential drug interactions and refer to a medical practitioner
- 3.3 Recognise special precautions and contraindications in the use of particular medicines and refer to a medical practitioner
- 3.4 Safely give intramuscular injections (deltoid, lateral thigh and gluteal) and subcutaneous injections
- 3.5 Correctly measure out and administer medicine for nebulised inhalation using an electronic nebuliser
- 3.6 Identify signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and manage according to standard protocols
- 3.7 Label medicines in accordance with statutory requirements
- 3.8 Undertake administration of medicines according to organisational policies and procedures and the appropriate legal and regulatory framework
- 3.9 Fully document administration of medicines and maintain records in line with organisation and legal and regulatory requirements
4. Manage administration of chronic medicines
- 4.1 Maintain accurate records of chronic medicines administration
- 4.2 Establish and maintain systems for managing chronic medication administration within the clinic in consultation with the health team
- 4.3 Refer individual chronic medication regimens for regular review by a medical practitioner
- 4.4 Involve pharmacists in chronic medication management including, where appropriate, medication reviews or use of Webster-packs
- 4.5 Check doses of medicine made up by other health staff for accuracy, including dose, indication and consideration of contraindications
- 4.6 Support and instruct other health workers in the safe and efficacious use of medicines
- 4.7 Monitor appropriate use of medicines by other health staff
5. Initiate therapy using standard treatment manuals
- 5.1 Initiate assessment and treatment using standard treatment manuals as used in the workplace
- 5.2 Consult a medical practitioner in accordance with standard treatment manuals and organisational policies and procedures
- 5.3 Dispense medicines according to organisational policies and procedures and the appropriate legal and regulatory framework
- 5.4 Document clinical assessments, any advice sought and therapy initiated in client medical files
6. Manage the ordering, transportation, storage and disposal of medicines
- 6.1 Ensure medicines stocks are ordered, securely stored and used in accordance with poisons licence conditions and in keeping with the legislative and regulatory framework
- 6.2 Establish working relationships with local medical practitioners and pharmacists to support management of clinic medicines stores
- 6.3 Monitor patterns of medicines use and use this information to inform reorder quantities and ensure minimum stock holdings
- 6.4 Ensure clinic medicines stocks are checked regularly and re-ordered in appropriate quantities
- 6.5 Source medicines supplies as locally appropriate
- 6.6 Add new stock and dispose of out-of-date stock according to organisational policies and procedures
- 6.7 Organise clinic medicines stock logically and securely, with access to clinic medicines store monitored and restricted to authorised personnel
- 6.8 Correctly apply cold chain transport for medication requiring refrigeration
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Cultural respect
This competency standard supports the recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
It recognises that the improvement of the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must include attention to physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing, community capacity and governance
Its application must be culturally sensitive and supportive of traditional healing and health, knowledge and practices
Community control
Community participation and control in decision-making is essential to all aspects of health work, and the role of the health worker is to support the community in this process
Supervision
Supervision must be conducted in accordance with prevailing state/territory and organisation legislative and regulatory requirements
References to supervision may include either direct or indirect supervision of work by more experienced workers, supervisors, managers or other health professionals
A person at this level should only be required to make decisions about clients within the organisation's standard treatment protocols and associated guidelines
Legislative requirements
Federal, state or territory legislation may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities. Implementation of the competency standards should reflect the legislative framework in which a health worker operates. It is recognised that this may sometimes reduce the application of the Range of Variables in practice. However, assessment in the workplace or through simulation should address all essential skills and knowledge across the Range of Variables
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers may be required to operate in situations that do not constitute "usual practice" due to lack of resources, remote locations and community needs. As a result, they may need to possess more competencies than described by "usual practice circumstances"
Under all circumstances, the employer must enable the worker to function within the prevailing legislative framework
Medicines supplies may be sourced, for example from:
Manufacturer
Community or hospital pharmacy
Under the Commonwealth Section 100 scheme)
Interpretation of medicines orders may include:
Distinguishing generic names for medicines from brand names
Interpreting symbols and abbreviations in common use
Checking written medicines orders against published medicines information resources
Calculations and measures applied in the use of medicines may include:
Metric measures of weight and volumes are used and converted
Simple mathematical operations are used in the calculation of medicine dosage
Quantities of medicine are calculated for given doses of mixtures and tablets to meet client needs
Workplace procedures in the administration of medicines must include:
Observance of universal precautions
Doses of medicine to be checked with other appropriate health staff prior to administration
MIMS, CARPA and/or other reference sources for medicines information to be consulted
Powdered medicine to be reconstituted as a mixture according to manufacturer's instructions
Scored tablets to be split as required to make up a specified dose
Medicines for injection to be drawn up to the specified dose using sterile procedures and according to manufacturer's instructions
Medicine for nebulised inhalation to be correctly measured out and administered using an electronic nebuliser
Commonly used medication may include:
Analgesic&anti inflammatory medicines (paracetamol, aspirin, codeine, common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Medicines used for treatment of infections (common antibiotics, antifungal&anti parasitic agents, antivirals)
Cardiovascular medicines (commonly used anti-hypertensives, digoxin, anti-anginal medicines, lipid-lowering drugs, warfarin)
Medicines used in management of diabetes (metformin, sulphonamides&insulin)
Gastrointestinal medicines (antacids, peptic ulcer medications, laxatives)
Psychotropic and neurological medicines (common sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants)
Respiratory medicines (bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, prednisolone)
Hormonal (common oral, injectable and implantable contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, thyroxine)
Topical skin medicines (corticosteroids, permethrin)
The effects of medications may include:
Intended outcomes eg. stops pain, stops infection
Adverse reactions that must be recognised and appropriate action taken (refer if required), including:
cease administration of medication
management of anaphylactic shock reaction as per organisation protocols
referral to appropriate authority
documentation of event
highlight allergy in client file
Medication history may include:
Past medication history
Recent medication history
Drug allergies
Client records
Family history
Compliance history
Concurrent medications
Relevant documentation may include:
Client notes
Files
Specialist reports
Referrals
Reports from other professionals
Pathology reports
Legislative requirements may include:
Commonwealth, state and territory laws, regulations and directions, as determined by workplace requirements
Schedules 1 - 8 of the Drugs and Poisons Act
Drug storage and disposal requirements
Relevant information to be provided and explained to clients includes:
Medication side effects
Length of treatment
Drug interactions
Consequences of non-compliance
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
Clinical protocol manuals
Imprest lists
Occupational health and safety guidelines
Organisational/workplace procedure manuals
Infection control guidelines
Legislation
Methods of medication administration may include:
Topical
Oral
Intramuscular injections (IMI)
Subcutaneous injections (SCI)
Inhalations
Dosettes
Z track
Intradermal injection
Appropriate dispensing and administration must include:
The 5 'Rights' of administration:
right route
right person
right dose
right medication
right time
Application of universal precautions.
Medication side effects and contraindications may include:
Anaphylaxis
Contraindications
Special precautions
Drug interactions
Universal precautions include:
Standard procedures for infection control
Confidentiality as it applies to community/organisation
Workplace policy and procedures for clinical practice
Correct usage of clinical equipment
Correct disposal techniques for wastes/sharps as per workplace policies and procedures
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Cultural respect
This competency standard supports the recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
It recognises that the improvement of the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must include attention to physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing, community capacity and governance
Its application must be culturally sensitive and supportive of traditional healing and health, knowledge and practices
Community control
Community participation and control in decision-making is essential to all aspects of health work, and the role of the health worker is to support the community in this process
Supervision
Supervision must be conducted in accordance with prevailing state/territory and organisation legislative and regulatory requirements
References to supervision may include either direct or indirect supervision of work by more experienced workers, supervisors, managers or other health professionals
A person at this level should only be required to make decisions about clients within the organisation's standard treatment protocols and associated guidelines
Legislative requirements
Federal, state or territory legislation may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities. Implementation of the competency standards should reflect the legislative framework in which a health worker operates. It is recognised that this may sometimes reduce the application of the Range of Variables in practice. However, assessment in the workplace or through simulation should address all essential skills and knowledge across the Range of Variables
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers may be required to operate in situations that do not constitute "usual practice" due to lack of resources, remote locations and community needs. As a result, they may need to possess more competencies than described by "usual practice circumstances"
Under all circumstances, the employer must enable the worker to function within the prevailing legislative framework
Medicines supplies may be sourced, for example from:
Manufacturer
Community or hospital pharmacy
Under the Commonwealth Section 100 scheme)
Interpretation of medicines orders may include:
Distinguishing generic names for medicines from brand names
Interpreting symbols and abbreviations in common use
Checking written medicines orders against published medicines information resources
Calculations and measures applied in the use of medicines may include:
Metric measures of weight and volumes are used and converted
Simple mathematical operations are used in the calculation of medicine dosage
Quantities of medicine are calculated for given doses of mixtures and tablets to meet client needs
Workplace procedures in the administration of medicines must include:
Observance of universal precautions
Doses of medicine to be checked with other appropriate health staff prior to administration
MIMS, CARPA and/or other reference sources for medicines information to be consulted
Powdered medicine to be reconstituted as a mixture according to manufacturer's instructions
Scored tablets to be split as required to make up a specified dose
Medicines for injection to be drawn up to the specified dose using sterile procedures and according to manufacturer's instructions
Medicine for nebulised inhalation to be correctly measured out and administered using an electronic nebuliser
Commonly used medication may include:
Analgesic&anti inflammatory medicines (paracetamol, aspirin, codeine, common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Medicines used for treatment of infections (common antibiotics, antifungal&anti parasitic agents, antivirals)
Cardiovascular medicines (commonly used anti-hypertensives, digoxin, anti-anginal medicines, lipid-lowering drugs, warfarin)
Medicines used in management of diabetes (metformin, sulphonamides&insulin)
Gastrointestinal medicines (antacids, peptic ulcer medications, laxatives)
Psychotropic and neurological medicines (common sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants)
Respiratory medicines (bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, prednisolone)
Hormonal (common oral, injectable and implantable contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, thyroxine)
Topical skin medicines (corticosteroids, permethrin)
The effects of medications may include:
Intended outcomes eg. stops pain, stops infection
Adverse reactions that must be recognised and appropriate action taken (refer if required), including:
cease administration of medication
management of anaphylactic shock reaction as per organisation protocols
referral to appropriate authority
documentation of event
highlight allergy in client file
Medication history may include:
Past medication history
Recent medication history
Drug allergies
Client records
Family history
Compliance history
Concurrent medications
Relevant documentation may include:
Client notes
Files
Specialist reports
Referrals
Reports from other professionals
Pathology reports
Legislative requirements may include:
Commonwealth, state and territory laws, regulations and directions, as determined by workplace requirements
Schedules 1 - 8 of the Drugs and Poisons Act
Drug storage and disposal requirements
Relevant information to be provided and explained to clients includes:
Medication side effects
Length of treatment
Drug interactions
Consequences of non-compliance
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
Clinical protocol manuals
Imprest lists
Occupational health and safety guidelines
Organisational/workplace procedure manuals
Infection control guidelines
Legislation
Methods of medication administration may include:
Topical
Oral
Intramuscular injections (IMI)
Subcutaneous injections (SCI)
Inhalations
Dosettes
Z track
Intradermal injection
Appropriate dispensing and administration must include:
The 5 'Rights' of administration:
right route
right person
right dose
right medication
right time
Application of universal precautions.
Medication side effects and contraindications may include:
Anaphylaxis
Contraindications
Special precautions
Drug interactions
Universal precautions include:
Standard procedures for infection control
Confidentiality as it applies to community/organisation
Workplace policy and procedures for clinical practice
Correct usage of clinical equipment
Correct disposal techniques for wastes/sharps as per workplace policies and procedures
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects of assessment:
Assessment of this unit must include practical demonstration of the competencies either in the workplace, classroom (or a combination of both)
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Conditions of assessment:
This unit includes skills and knowledge specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture
Assessment must therefore be undertaken by a workplace assessor who has expertise in the unit of competency or who has the current qualification being assessed and who is:
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander him/herself
or:
accompanied and advised by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is a recognised member of the community with experience in primary health care
Context of assessment:
Competence should be demonstrated working individually, under supervision or as part of a primary health care team working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients.
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible.
Related units:
This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects of assessment:
Assessment of this unit must include practical demonstration of the competencies either in the workplace, classroom (or a combination of both)
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Conditions of assessment:
This unit includes skills and knowledge specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture
Assessment must therefore be undertaken by a workplace assessor who has expertise in the unit of competency or who has the current qualification being assessed and who is:
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander him/herself
or:
accompanied and advised by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is a recognised member of the community with experience in primary health care
Context of assessment:
Competence should be demonstrated working individually, under supervision or as part of a primary health care team working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients.
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible.
Related units:
This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9027 | HLTAHW606A | Manage medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health care | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WG722 | HLTAHW071 | Manage medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care | Unit of competency |
