Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:12 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.

Work under instructions to support the safe use of medication

Work under instructions to support the safe use of medication

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHW015
State Code
WG666
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
14/02/2014
Field of Education
061399 - Public Health, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
14/02/2014
Nominal Hours
120
Description
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers to support clients to use medication safely and under instruction.The unit addresses the provision of physical assistance to take or receive medication. It may involve assisting or supporting the client with prescribed and/or over-the-counter medications, traditional and bush medicines, and complementary medicines.This unit does not allow the individual worker to determine or calculate dosage of medication. This unit applies to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers working as part, and under the supervision, of a multidisciplinary primary health care team to provide a range of primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities. 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. Confirm scope of own role in relation to medication
  • 1.1 Confirm own role within a primary health care team to support the safe use of medication
  • 1.2 Identify lines of supervision and authority for reporting and clarifying issues within job role
  • 1.3 Identify legal and ethical boundaries and responsibilities relating to own job role
  • 1.4 Discuss and confirm contingency procedures for emergencies from performance of the job role
  • 1.5 Clarify any concerns or queries relating to scope of job role with relevant supervisor and/or member of primary health care team
2. Obtain instructions about medication
  • 2.1 Gather all relevant information about client’s medication requirements
  • 2.2 Discuss gathered information with appropriate member/s of primary health care team to confirm medication requirements
  • 2.3 Confirm instructions for medication with primary health care team
  • 2.4 Clarify any aspect of instructions as required
3. Communicate with the client about medication requirements
  • 3.1 Communicate in a culturally appropriate and safe manner with the client and/or significant others at all times
  • 3.2 Explain the purpose of medication to the client
  • 3.3 Encourage the client and/or significant others to ask questions to promote understanding of the medication’s purpose
  • 3.4 Confirm the client’s understanding of the medication required to obtain informed consent
  • 3.5 Seek clarification and assistance from primary health care team as required
  • 3.6 Document client’s informed consent in client records according to organisational procedures and policies
4. Follow instructions to support safe use of medication
  • 4.1 Explain the medication dosage to the client
  • 4.2 Assist client to measure out dosage required according to instructions
  • 4.3 Assist the client to use medication in correct way according to instructions
  • 4.4 Confirm the client has taken the medication
  • 4.5 Observe the client for any immediate abnormal physical reaction and advise primary health care team as required
  • 4.6 Document the medication taken in client records according to organisational procedures and policies
5. Support client’s storage and transport of medication
  • 5.1 Explain to client how the medication must be stored and the purpose of correct storage
  • 5.2 Confirm the client’s understanding of storage requirements
  • 5.3 Confirm the client has an appropriate place for storing medication
  • 5.4 Explain to the client how to transport medication if medication must be moved
  • 5.5 Document all information given to the client about storage and transport of medication
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEO15 HLTAMED001 Work under instructions to support the safe use of medications Unit of competency