South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

What documentation must be secured for medications that have been discontinued?

1. Prescription slip

2. Written order

3. Patient contract

4. Med administration log

The correct answer is: Written order

The requirement to secure a written order for discontinued medications is essential for proper medical record-keeping and accountability in long-term health care settings. A written order serves as an official documentation of the physician's decision to stop the medication, ensuring that all healthcare staff are informed of the change in the patient's treatment plan. This documentation helps maintain clarity and prevents potential errors that could arise from unauthorized or accidental administration of a medication that is no longer indicated for the patient. In contrast to the other options, a prescription slip typically pertains to the authorization for new medications rather than the discontinuation process. A patient contract is generally utilized for agreements regarding treatment plans or conditions of care, while a medication administration log records what medications were administered to patients, rather than specifying those that have been discontinued. Therefore, obtaining a written order is the most critical step in ensuring that all relevant personnel are aligned on the medication management plan for a patient.