Medication assistance for independent support workers
Understand medication assistance vs administration, what you can do within your training and the plan, records, the six rights, and when to escalate.
Assistance vs administration — the difference
What you can do within your training and the plan
The six rights — a safety habit
Records and medication charts
When something goes wrong — errors and reporting
When to escalate
Consent, dignity and choice
Getting trained and staying current
Frequently asked questions
Can independent support workers give medication?
You can assist with medication — prompting, opening packaging, reading labels and observing — for a person who directs their own care. Actively administering medication, such as injections or giving it to someone who can't consent, needs specific training and competency sign-off and often involves a nurse. Only work…
What's the difference between medication assistance and administration?
Assistance supports a person who takes their own medication — you help with packaging, reminders or reading labels, and they take it themselves. Administration means actively giving the medication, like placing tablets in someone's mouth or giving an injection. Administration requires extra training, competency…
What are the six rights of medication?
Right person, right medication, right dose, right time, right route, and right documentation. Running through these as a mental check helps catch errors before they happen. If any of the six doesn't line up, pause and check with the participant, pharmacist or prescriber rather than proceeding on a guess.
What do I do if I make a medication error?
Make the person safe first — if there are serious symptoms, call 000 or Poisons Information. Tell the participant and their prescriber or pharmacist, follow the incident process, and record the facts. Never hide an error; prompt, honest reporting is what the NDIS Code of Conduct expects and is what keeps the…
Do I need to keep a medication record?
Yes. Where a medication chart or signing sheet exists, complete it every time with the medication, time and your initials. If there's no formal chart, keep your own dated notes. Record refusals, missed doses and side effects, store records securely, and never sign for a dose you didn't see taken.
Can I hide medication in a participant's food?
No. Participants have the right to make decisions about their medication, including refusing it. Covertly hiding medication undermines their dignity and rights. If someone refuses and you're worried, note it, respect their choice, and escalate to their family, health team or support coordinator rather than forcing or…