Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0940-01-01-.05 - EMERGENCY ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

(1) Medication may be administered without the patient's or resident's consent in an emergency if other measures have been determined to be unlikely to prevent the threatened harm. The initial order for medication is valid for no longer than twenty-four hours. If the initial order for medication was authorized without personal observation of the patient or resident by the physicain, a physician shall evaluate the patient's or resident's condition within twelve hours of the order.

(2) The physician may renew emergency medication only one time for an additional twelve hour period and may do so only if the emergency continues. If the renewal order for medication was authorized without personal observation of the patient or resident by the physician, a physician shall evaluate the patient's or resident's condition within six hours of the order.

(3) The effective duration of prescribed medication shall be appropriate to the situation. Depot forms of neuroleptics, which are psychotropic drugs characterized by a slow rate of absorption and a long duration of action, and anti-depressants shall not be administered as emergency treatment.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0940-01-01-.05

(For Administrative History prior to February, 1985, see page 1.001). New rule filed January 9, 1985; effective February 8, 1985.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 33-1-203 through 33-1-205, 33-3-104 and 33-3-105.