Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:13 PM AWST

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Administer medications

Administer medications

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHW020
State Code
WG671
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
06/08/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/08/2014
Field of Education
061399 - Public Health, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
12/08/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the required skills and knowledge to administer medication to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients. It involves determining the medication requirements of an individual client, calculating dosage and performing the clinical skills necessary to administer the required medication. It also involves supporting a client to self administer medication. This unit applies to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers with the relevant authority in their state or territory to administer medication. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Interpret and clarify orders and instructions for medication
  • 1.1 Receive, correctly interpret and clarify written and verbal orders and instructions for medications with medical practitioners and other senior health staff
  • 1.2 Identify potential drug interactions and refer to an appropriately authorised person
  • 1.3 Check written and verbal medication instructions against published medications information resources
  • 1.4 Recognise special precautions and contraindications with the use of particular medications and refer to an appropriate person
2. Prepare medication
  • 2.1 Access medication according to organisational procedures and policies and within scope of own role and legislative requirements
  • 2.2 Use published medications resources to determine the appropriate route or method for administration of medication
  • 2.3 Correctly identify medication dosage in standard treatment manual or calculate mathematically
  • 2.4 Measure out required dose or volume of medication accurately using required and/or relevant equipment
  • 2.5 Confirm with relevant authorised person the calculated and measured medication dosage to be administered
3. Administer medications safely
  • 3.1 Administer medications appropriately, observing universal precautions and aseptic handling procedures, in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements
  • 3.2 Prepare a hygienic and sanitised environment for the administration of medications
  • 3.3 Assist in the administration of medications by appropriate methods and routes, observing standard precautions and in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements
  • 3.4 Identify any adverse events or allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, related to medication and take appropriate action in line with standard protocols
  • 3.5 Dispose of used equipment, packaging, medical waste and other products according to manufacturer’s instructions, infection control and organisational procedures and policies
4. Instruct and monitor clients to self administer medication
  • 4.1 Prepare, or assist client to prepare, medication for self administration as required
  • 4.2 Demonstrate to client correct use of relevant equipment for self medication
  • 4.3 Guide client through the process of self administration of medication and provide assistance as necessary
  • 4.4 Confirm with the client the completion of self administration
  • 4.5 Instruct and educate client to dispose of used equipment, packaging, medical waste and other products according to manufacturer’s instructions, infection control and organisational procedures and policies
5. Document administration procedures
  • 5.1 Keep client file up to date by completing all relevant records relating to the specific medication administered, including access, storage and disposal requirements
  • 5.2 Store all relevant documentation securely according to organisation policies and procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D5668 HLTAHW406B Work with medicines Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEO41 HLTAMED003 Administer medications Unit of competency