Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:12 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:12 PM 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.
Assist clients with medication
Assist clients with medication
Unit of competency
National Code
CHCCS305B
CHCCS305B
State Code
D8555
D8555
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/07/2012
Field of Education
060307 - Community Nursing
Original Release Date
20/07/2012
Nominal Hours
25
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the knowledge and skills required by care or support workers to assist clients with medication The unit addresses the provision of physical assistance with medication or supporting clients with self medication in response to an assessed need identified by the client or their substitute decision-maker for assistance with medication, in accordance with the health/support/ care plan and in line with jurisdictional requirementsIt may involve distribution and administration of prescribed and over the counter medications within a residential care facility, or in a home or community setting
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to assist with medication
- 1.1 Establish authority to provide assistance with administration of medication in line with organisation guidelines and protocols and jurisdictional legislative and regulatory requirements
- 1.2 Demonstrate an understanding of organisation policy and guidelines relating to assisting with medication within work role responsibilities
- 1.3 Identify lines of authority, accountability and actions to be taken to handle contingencies
- 1.4 Identify level and type of physical assistance required by the client to address their personal needs in taking medications
- 1.5 Identify level and type of supervision required by the client to self administer medications
- 1.6 Identify and report to a supervisor and/or health professional if there are any circumstances or changes in the client's condition or personal needs that may impact on assisting the client with their medication
- 1.7 Confirm that all forms of medication to be administered, including dose administration aids are complete, ready for distribution and up to date, confirm with supervisor and obtain authority to proceed
- 1.8 Confirm the procedure to be used for medication to be administered
- 1.9 Implement personal hygiene procedures according to organisation policy and procedure to minimise cross infection
- 1.10 Identify and implement duty of care procedures in relation to addressing individual client needs
2. Prepare the client for assistance with administration of medication
- 2.1 Implement all necessary checks to ensure the client and their medications are correctly identified according to organisation procedures and care plan
- 2.2 Clarify specific assistance required to address personal needs of each client in line with organisation procedures listed in the Range Statement and within work role responsibilities
- 2.3 Correctly identify and greet each client and prepare them for medication
- 2.4 Check client medications according to the procedures identified in the organisation guidelines defined in the Range Statement
- 2.5 Explain the administration procedure to the client in line with requirements and organisation procedures and ensure their needs are met
- 2.6 Prior to giving medication, observe the client to check for any physical or behavioural changes that may indicate a need to report to supervisor or health professional in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 2.7 Recognise circumstances when appropriate action is to report observed client health status rather than proceeding with administration of medication and seek advice of supervisor or health professional
3. Assist/support client with administration of medication
- 3.1 Remind and prompt client to take medication at correct time
- 3.2 Assist clients with administration of medications as required in accordance with legislation, organisation policies and the level of support needed as identified in their care / support plan
- 3.3 Supervise and observe clients when taking medication and confirm with them their ingestion or completion
- 3.4 Complete documentation/record of medication administration according to organisation procedures
- 3.5 Observe client for any changes in their condition listed in the Range Statement and seek assistance from a health professional, supervisor, medical officer or emergency services as indicated in the organisation's policies
- 3.6 Discard waste products according to organisation procedures and/or manufacturer's instructions
4. Assist/support medication administration according to prescription/instructions
- 4.1 Prepare medications and administer to the client or support their self administration according to the specific requirements of the form of medication, in strict accordance with defined legislation and organisation procedures and written prescription instructions
- 4.2 Implement all necessary checks to ensure the right medication is given at the right time, to the right person, in the right amount, via the right route
- 4.3 Assist the client to take the medications as required, in accordance with their needs and documented procedures
- 4.4 Supervise and observe the client when taking the medication and confirm with the client their ingestion or completion
- 4.5 Implement documented procedures for medication not being administered or absorbed, such as through expelling/vomiting, refusal or damage to medication and report to supervisor and/or health professional
- 4.6 Record all required details of medication administration and other details in the appropriate documents according to the legislation and organisation's procedures
- 4.7 Observe the client for any possible medication effects listed in the Range Statement and report to a supervisor or health professional
- 4.8 Collect used equipment, discarded medications / applicators and rubbish and place in appropriate/ designated receptacle according to instructions
5. Comply with organisation's procedures for handling the range of issues/ contingencies which may arise
- 5.1 Report to supervisor and/or health professional all concerns with the administration of medication (such as: client refusal to take some or all medications, incomplete ingestion, missed or missing doses) according to organisation procedures and protocols
- 5.2 Identify, report, record and address individual's reactions to medication according to organisation guidelines and health professional's instructions
- 5.3 Clearly identify contaminated or out of date medication and implement organisation's procedures for ensuring safe and appropriate disposal
- 5.4 Identify, report and record changes in individual's condition, including within essential timeframes where relevant, according to organisation guidelines
- 5.5 Identify procedures to address / respond to changes in the client's condition or needs according to the organisation's guidelines
- 5.6 Promptly report to the supervisor or health professional any inconsistencies observed with the medication or client and take action in accordance with the organisation's procedures or health professional's instructions
- 5.7 Document all inconsistencies and address according to organisation guidelines and procedures
6. Complete the distribution and administration of medication
- 6.1 Clean and store unused and/or used medications, containers and administration aids in accordance with industry and the organisation's infection control guidelines
- 6.2 Follow the organisation's arrangements and procedures to replenish dose administration aids and supplies of medications
- 6.3 Securely store medication charts/care plans/ treatment sheets according to organisation procedures to ensure safety, security and confidentiality
- 6.4 Follow the organisation's procedures to ensure medication storage complies with legislation and manufacturers instructions, maximises security and prevents medication deterioration
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.
Health professional includes:
Health professionals relevant to medication administration in specific area of work:
Complementary medicine therapist (subject to government and organisation policies)
Dentist
Dietitian
Medical practitioners (General Practitioners and medical specialists)
Occupational therapist
Pharmacist
Physiotherapist
Podiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Registered nurses
Commonwealth and State/ Territory legislation may include:
Aged Care legislation
Community care legislation and polices
Disability Services legislation (Commonwealth and State)
Drugs and Poison's Act and Regulations and other relevant State/territory legislation, regulations and policies
Legislation, regulations and policies relevant to each State or Territory
Nurses Registration legislation
Authority to proceed refers to:
Ensuring all organisation guidelines are followed
Ensuring that all documentation in relation to a client's medication has been checked
Ensuring that the prescribing health professional has documented all medications and instructions
Ensuring the client has been assessed by a health professional for the level of assistance required and they or their decision-maker understands and can make the request for assistance
Ensuring the client has up to date / current documentation on the level of assistance and support required in relation to medication
Supervisor may include:
Health professional
Supervision may be provided on site or through an on call system
Supervisor or team leader with experience and appropriate qualification/s in administration of medication and/or assistance with self medication at a higher level than the worker
Required medications may include:
Medications prescribed for a client by a health professional and dispensed by a pharmacist in dose administration aids
Medications purchased over the counter and identified in the client's health/care/support plan or drug/ treatment sheet
PRN medications:
as prescribed and instructed by the health professional
in response to staff observation of need as identified in drug sheet and/or health/care/support plan and according to relevant legislation, organisation guidelines and clear written instructions from a health professional
in response to specific information provided by client, where the medication is documented in the client's health/care/support plan
Industry standards include:
Aged Care Accreditation Standards and policies
Disability Service Standards and policies
Home and Community Care National Service Standards and policies
State or Territory government policies
Required equipment may include:
Administration aid / medication pack
Applicator for lotions / ointments
Aprons
Container for dirty spoons/dishes
Cotton wool / gauze
Drug/treatment sheet or case record
Gloves
Health/care/support plan
Key to medication storage/cupboard/area
Measuring cups
Medicine dishes/cups
Mortar and pestle
Nebuliser / spacer
Paper towels and tissues
Spoons
Tablet divider
Tea towel
Tumblers
Water jug and cup
Organisation guidelines for client identification may include:
Actions to be taken if a client who is self-administering fails to identify themselves correctly
Confirmation from nursing/care staff or client's family or friends
Referral to identification such as photographic identification of client in client cards
Response by client
Visual recognition
Organisation policy for checking medications with clients who are self-medicating may include:
Confirming the following with the client:
the amount of medication (e.g. number of tablets or amount of gel)
the time for self-medication (e.g. once a day with food)
the route of self-medication (e.g. by mouth)
any alterations authorised by the pharmacist, registered nurse or health professional (e.g. crush tablets or mix with water or food)
Checking the medication for expiry date and any obvious discrepancies such as colour changes, disintegration or deterioration
Dose administration aids may include:
Blister packs - single dose packs and multi-dose packs
Dosettes
Sachets
Organisation guidelines for checking medication may include:
Checking dose administration aids for evidence of tampering
Checking medication is free from contamination or deterioration
Checking that administration, instructions and the identity of the client correlate with documentation
Checking that discrepancies in administration are documented appropriately
Checking the procedure for infection control, storage and disposal
Prepare the client for assistance with administration of medication may include:
Discussing the procedure
Encouraging client's participation
Adjusting posture and position
Seeking assistance from other staff if available and required
Providing privacy
Appropriate exposure of treatment area (in the case of lotion application)
Circumstances when appropriate action is to report observed client health status rather than proceeding to administer medication may include but are not limited to:
Changes in condition of the client that must be immediately reported
Client refusal
Client unconscious
Current needs may include:
Assistance in securing client cooperation
Posture or positioning of client including physically supporting the client
Provision of approved PRN order according to relevant legislation, organisation guidelines and doctors orders
Prepare medications may include:
Assistance provided in taking medication by grinding or dividing tablets where there are clearly written instructions
Dissolving powder medication in water
Measuring liquid medications into measuring cup / spoon
Placing medication in nebuliser / spacer
Placing tablets/capsules from dose administration aids into a medicine cup
Necessary checks include:
Checking client details
Checking for authorisation
Checking medication against the requirements
Checking the chart
Checking the client's health/care/support plan
Checking the treatment sheets
References may include:
Drugs hotline/Drug Information Line
MIMS annual or drug reference guide
Forms of medication may include:
Capsules
Ear-drops
Eye-drops
Inhalants
Liquid
Lotion and cream
Nose-drops
Ointments
Patches
Powder
Tablets
Wafers
Possible changes in condition of the client that must be immediately reported to a supervisor or health professional may include, but are not limited to:
Anything that appears different from the client's usual state
Blurred vision
Changes in behaviour
Changes to airway (e.g. choking), changes to breathing (including slowed, fast or absent breathing), changes in person's colour (e.g. pale or flushed appearance or bluish tinge), or changes to circulation (including unexpected drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and absence of pulse)
Confusion
Feelings of dizziness
Headache
Inflammation or redness
Nausea and vomiting
Others as advised by health professional
Rash
Skin tone
Slurring of speech
Swelling
Incomplete ingestion includes:
Ejection of medication
Inability or difficulties in swallowing tablets, capsules or liquids
Refusal to take medications
Vomiting
Document all inconsistencies may include:
Adverse drug incident reports
Client's record of medications according to organisation guidelines
Incident reports
Medical charts
Progress notes
Medication storage procedures include:
Acting in accordance with defined job role
Locking and storing drugs according to organisation policy and procedure
Referring to instructions from health professional/ manufacturer
Industry guidelines may include:
Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC):
Guidelines for medication management in residential aged care facilities and
Guiding principles for medication management in the community 2006
State and Territory legislation, policies and guidelines
Organisation policies and procedures
OHS industry guides
Physical assistance provided to administer medication or support self medication may include:
Discussing the process and addressing any likely difficulties
Confirming the time and type of medication
Establishing the type and level of support required by the client to take / receive the medication
Adjusting posture or position
Opening bottles or dose administration aids
Removing tablets or capsules from dose administration aids
Measuring the amount of liquid required into a medicine cup or a cream onto the affected area
Crushing or dividing tablets where indicated by pharmacist or health professional
Placing medication into nebulisers or spacers
Dissolving medication in water
Ensuring that fluids are available to assist with swallowing
Providing privacy
NB Medication dose must be prepared by a pharmacist
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.
Health professional includes:
Health professionals relevant to medication administration in specific area of work:
Complementary medicine therapist (subject to government and organisation policies)
Dentist
Dietitian
Medical practitioners (General Practitioners and medical specialists)
Occupational therapist
Pharmacist
Physiotherapist
Podiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Registered nurses
Commonwealth and State/ Territory legislation may include:
Aged Care legislation
Community care legislation and polices
Disability Services legislation (Commonwealth and State)
Drugs and Poison's Act and Regulations and other relevant State/territory legislation, regulations and policies
Legislation, regulations and policies relevant to each State or Territory
Nurses Registration legislation
Authority to proceed refers to:
Ensuring all organisation guidelines are followed
Ensuring that all documentation in relation to a client's medication has been checked
Ensuring that the prescribing health professional has documented all medications and instructions
Ensuring the client has been assessed by a health professional for the level of assistance required and they or their decision-maker understands and can make the request for assistance
Ensuring the client has up to date / current documentation on the level of assistance and support required in relation to medication
Supervisor may include:
Health professional
Supervision may be provided on site or through an on call system
Supervisor or team leader with experience and appropriate qualification/s in administration of medication and/or assistance with self medication at a higher level than the worker
Required medications may include:
Medications prescribed for a client by a health professional and dispensed by a pharmacist in dose administration aids
Medications purchased over the counter and identified in the client's health/care/support plan or drug/ treatment sheet
PRN medications:
as prescribed and instructed by the health professional
in response to staff observation of need as identified in drug sheet and/or health/care/support plan and according to relevant legislation, organisation guidelines and clear written instructions from a health professional
in response to specific information provided by client, where the medication is documented in the client's health/care/support plan
Industry standards include:
Aged Care Accreditation Standards and policies
Disability Service Standards and policies
Home and Community Care National Service Standards and policies
State or Territory government policies
Required equipment may include:
Administration aid / medication pack
Applicator for lotions / ointments
Aprons
Container for dirty spoons/dishes
Cotton wool / gauze
Drug/treatment sheet or case record
Gloves
Health/care/support plan
Key to medication storage/cupboard/area
Measuring cups
Medicine dishes/cups
Mortar and pestle
Nebuliser / spacer
Paper towels and tissues
Spoons
Tablet divider
Tea towel
Tumblers
Water jug and cup
Organisation guidelines for client identification may include:
Actions to be taken if a client who is self-administering fails to identify themselves correctly
Confirmation from nursing/care staff or client's family or friends
Referral to identification such as photographic identification of client in client cards
Response by client
Visual recognition
Organisation policy for checking medications with clients who are self-medicating may include:
Confirming the following with the client:
the amount of medication (e.g. number of tablets or amount of gel)
the time for self-medication (e.g. once a day with food)
the route of self-medication (e.g. by mouth)
any alterations authorised by the pharmacist, registered nurse or health professional (e.g. crush tablets or mix with water or food)
Checking the medication for expiry date and any obvious discrepancies such as colour changes, disintegration or deterioration
Dose administration aids may include:
Blister packs - single dose packs and multi-dose packs
Dosettes
Sachets
Organisation guidelines for checking medication may include:
Checking dose administration aids for evidence of tampering
Checking medication is free from contamination or deterioration
Checking that administration, instructions and the identity of the client correlate with documentation
Checking that discrepancies in administration are documented appropriately
Checking the procedure for infection control, storage and disposal
Prepare the client for assistance with administration of medication may include:
Discussing the procedure
Encouraging client's participation
Adjusting posture and position
Seeking assistance from other staff if available and required
Providing privacy
Appropriate exposure of treatment area (in the case of lotion application)
Circumstances when appropriate action is to report observed client health status rather than proceeding to administer medication may include but are not limited to:
Changes in condition of the client that must be immediately reported
Client refusal
Client unconscious
Current needs may include:
Assistance in securing client cooperation
Posture or positioning of client including physically supporting the client
Provision of approved PRN order according to relevant legislation, organisation guidelines and doctors orders
Prepare medications may include:
Assistance provided in taking medication by grinding or dividing tablets where there are clearly written instructions
Dissolving powder medication in water
Measuring liquid medications into measuring cup / spoon
Placing medication in nebuliser / spacer
Placing tablets/capsules from dose administration aids into a medicine cup
Necessary checks include:
Checking client details
Checking for authorisation
Checking medication against the requirements
Checking the chart
Checking the client's health/care/support plan
Checking the treatment sheets
References may include:
Drugs hotline/Drug Information Line
MIMS annual or drug reference guide
Forms of medication may include:
Capsules
Ear-drops
Eye-drops
Inhalants
Liquid
Lotion and cream
Nose-drops
Ointments
Patches
Powder
Tablets
Wafers
Possible changes in condition of the client that must be immediately reported to a supervisor or health professional may include, but are not limited to:
Anything that appears different from the client's usual state
Blurred vision
Changes in behaviour
Changes to airway (e.g. choking), changes to breathing (including slowed, fast or absent breathing), changes in person's colour (e.g. pale or flushed appearance or bluish tinge), or changes to circulation (including unexpected drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and absence of pulse)
Confusion
Feelings of dizziness
Headache
Inflammation or redness
Nausea and vomiting
Others as advised by health professional
Rash
Skin tone
Slurring of speech
Swelling
Incomplete ingestion includes:
Ejection of medication
Inability or difficulties in swallowing tablets, capsules or liquids
Refusal to take medications
Vomiting
Document all inconsistencies may include:
Adverse drug incident reports
Client's record of medications according to organisation guidelines
Incident reports
Medical charts
Progress notes
Medication storage procedures include:
Acting in accordance with defined job role
Locking and storing drugs according to organisation policy and procedure
Referring to instructions from health professional/ manufacturer
Industry guidelines may include:
Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC):
Guidelines for medication management in residential aged care facilities and
Guiding principles for medication management in the community 2006
State and Territory legislation, policies and guidelines
Organisation policies and procedures
OHS industry guides
Physical assistance provided to administer medication or support self medication may include:
Discussing the process and addressing any likely difficulties
Confirming the time and type of medication
Establishing the type and level of support required by the client to take / receive the medication
Adjusting posture or position
Opening bottles or dose administration aids
Removing tablets or capsules from dose administration aids
Measuring the amount of liquid required into a medicine cup or a cream onto the affected area
Crushing or dividing tablets where indicated by pharmacist or health professional
Placing medication into nebulisers or spacers
Dissolving medication in water
Ensuring that fluids are available to assist with swallowing
Providing privacy
NB Medication dose must be prepared by a pharmacist
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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit must be assessed in the workplace under the normal range of work conditions
Prior to application of skills in the workplace, assessments should be undertaken in a simulated environment as an appropriate risk management strategy
Assessment must be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances and medication types
Assessment must be undertaken by a person with higher order medication management/administration qualifications and current knowledge of practices relevant to medications in the health and community services sectors
Employers should endeavour to maintain currency of skills and knowledge in line with specific workplace and/or jurisdictional requirements, through annual workplace skills assessments
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided in community and residential care service settingsSpecific tools may include:
medication charts and documentation
medications and equipment
relevant policies and procedures manuals
other documentation relevant to the work context such as:. organisation charts. floor plans. instructions for the use of equipment. specific instructions for staff, reporting procedures, organisation documents. client list. relevant guidelines and legislation
relevant equipment and cleaning agents currently used in the workplace
Method of assessment:
Assessment will include:
Observation of work performance
Supporting statement of supervisor/s
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to safely support the administration of medication in specific work environments and communities
Written assessment of functional English language, literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the level of responsibility of the care worker
Annual reconfirmation of the essential knowledge (including written or oral assessment) and competency by the employer within a performance management framework is desirable
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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit must be assessed in the workplace under the normal range of work conditions
Prior to application of skills in the workplace, assessments should be undertaken in a simulated environment as an appropriate risk management strategy
Assessment must be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances and medication types
Assessment must be undertaken by a person with higher order medication management/administration qualifications and current knowledge of practices relevant to medications in the health and community services sectors
Employers should endeavour to maintain currency of skills and knowledge in line with specific workplace and/or jurisdictional requirements, through annual workplace skills assessments
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided in community and residential care service settingsSpecific tools may include:
medication charts and documentation
medications and equipment
relevant policies and procedures manuals
other documentation relevant to the work context such as:. organisation charts. floor plans. instructions for the use of equipment. specific instructions for staff, reporting procedures, organisation documents. client list. relevant guidelines and legislation
relevant equipment and cleaning agents currently used in the workplace
Method of assessment:
Assessment will include:
Observation of work performance
Supporting statement of supervisor/s
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to safely support the administration of medication in specific work environments and communities
Written assessment of functional English language, literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the level of responsibility of the care worker
Annual reconfirmation of the essential knowledge (including written or oral assessment) and competency by the employer within a performance management framework is desirable
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2321 | CHCCS305A | Assist clients with medication | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC841 | CHCCS305C | Assist clients with medication | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D270 | CHC30308 | Certificate III in Home and Community Care | Qualification |