Background
The Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.39.04 sets forth the regulations for certified medication technicians (formerly called medication assistants). The Maryland Board of Nursing has the responsibility for interpretation and implementation of this regulation.
School employees in both public and non-public schools and school based health centers affected by the requirement for Medication Technician training include:
Medication Administration
All persons other than registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who administer medication in schools on a routine basis, regardless of position, do so under the supervision of the RN. This is a requirement of the Nurse Practice Act (Annotated Code of Maryland, Health Occupations Article, Title 8, COMAR Title 10, Subtitle 27.11.05). To meet this requirement, personnel administering medication must sucessfully complete a 20-hour medication administration training program course that is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). Medication technicians are certified by the MBON. The certification must be renewed every two years. Medication technicians only perform the delegated nursing function of medication administration. A registered nurse (RN) delegating nurse must supervise the CMTs. RNs are required to make an on-site visit for supervision at least every 45 days.
What’s New?
Certified medication technicians (CMTs) renew their certification every two years in their birth month.
RNs must take a course in order to be approved by the MBON to teach the approved training program.
The medication administration training program has been approved by the Board of Nursing and is available for registered nurses who have completed the case manager/delegating nurse course for schools.
How does school staff get the training?
The Maryland Board of Nursing maintains a list of RN instructors for the
medication administration training.