UNA Resolution
Whereas, even with the administration and dispensing of medications by highly skilled professionals (nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, physicians), medication errors cause at least one death every day, and injure approximately 1.3 million people annually in the United States. Thus, UNA believes this skill should not be further extended to lesser-educated individuals.

Whereas, it is requisite that a nurse spend hundreds of hours in clinical and classroom education to pass licensure and boards for the safe and appropriate administration of medications. Conversely, this legislation assumes that a minimally trained individual, who spends only 40 clinical hours and 40 theory hours, is enough education to safely pass hundreds of different medications and assess their impact on patients.

Whereas, the UNA believes there are no "routine" medications. All medications can have potentially dangerous side effects, especially in the elderly and compromised populations.  

Whereas, medication administration and dispensing are complex skills that involve a comprehensive understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacology, drug interactions, indications and contraindications. Moreover, the medication administration process must include consideration of accountability for the nurse and the institute authorizing the practice. Thus, critical assessment of a patient by the professional before, during, and after administration of medications is fundamental to prevent or minimize untoward effects.
Whereas, UNA recognizes that this legislation attempts to control a practice that already occurs in assisted-living facilities; we urge you to reconsider the appropriateness of this practice. Assistive living centers need to comply with the current rules of providing assistance to self-administered medication practices, and not have an assistant dispensing and administering medications. UNA believes that abolishing this practice altogether, not condoning an unsafe practice by attempting regulation, is clearly in the best interests of patient safety.

Whereas, one of the primary functions of the UNA is to ensure patient safety, we do not believe the proposed legislation provides for adequate educational preparation to administer medications. Moreover, it is inconceivable that any educational preparation below that of a Licensed Practical Nurse would be sufficient.

Whereas, HB 127 could have a catastrophic impact on patient safety, UNA would be willing to support and suggests the following alternatives to the legislation:

* Utilize Licensed Practical Nurses (including those who are certified as Geriatric Care Managers) for medication administration in settings where Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, or Physicians are too costly or unavailable.
* Education monies and resources need to be channeled into training more nurses to care for these patients. Solving the nursing shortage would put an end to this potential unsafe practice and provide the care these elderly individuals are entitled to and deserve.

Therefore, be it resolved that Utah Nurses Association (UNA) actively opposes HB 127. It is the position of the UNA that Medication Aides (certified or not) pose a constant and direct safety threat to the patient population for which we advocate. We do not support the administration of medications by CMA's in any setting.