Schedule
Full Time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8am-5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-7pm
Summary
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for supporting the safe, effective, and coordinated management of client medications within the scope of LPN licensure. The LPN reviews and maintains medication information, coordinates medication-related communications and refills, monitors client response and adherence, provides medication education, and documents all medication-management activities in compliance with THRIVE policies and procedures, authorized prescriber orders, OASAS requirements, applicable state and federal regulations, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain a complete and current medication profile for each client, including prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, allergies, adverse reactions, and relevant medication history.
- Perform medication reconciliation at admission, following transitions of care, and whenever medication changes are reported or ordered.
- Review medication orders for completeness and consistency with the client’s current medication record, and promptly refer discrepancies or questions to the authorized prescriber or RN.
- Process and document new medication orders, dose changes, discontinuations, holds, and other prescriber instructions in accordance with THRIVE procedures and scope of practice.
- Coordinate prescription refill requests and communicate with clients, pharmacies, prescribers, and authorized program staff to support continuity of medication therapy.
- Track refill status, medication supply, prior authorization needs, and unresolved pharmacy or prescriber issues, escalating concerns when needed.
- Monitor and document client adherence, reported effectiveness, side effects, adverse reactions, contraindications, and medication-related concerns, and notify the appropriate nursing or medical provider.
- Provide client education within the LPN scope of practice regarding medication purpose, dosage instructions, safe use, storage, potential side effects, adherence, and when to seek medical assistance.
- Reinforce the medication plan established by the authorized prescriber and confirm client understanding using appropriate educational methods.
- Respond to medication-related questions from clients and authorized supports, referring clinical decisions or requests outside the LPN scope of practice to the appropriate provider.
- Communicate relevant medication information to the treatment team and authorized healthcare providers to promote coordinated care, while maintaining confidentiality requirements.
- Document all medication-management assessments, education, communications, interventions, and follow-up actions accurately and promptly in the clinical record.
- Maintain medication records and related documentation in accordance with THRIVE policy, OASAS requirements, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other applicable laws and regulations.
- Identify and report medication errors, suspected adverse drug events, unreported medication use, possible interactions, or other medication-safety concerns in accordance with established procedures.
- Support prescribers and nursing staff by preparing accurate medication information for client reviews, follow-up appointments, and care coordination.
- Participate in medication-related case review, quality assurance, supervision, and required training relevant to medication management and OTP operations.
- Maintain practice within the LPN scope of practice and perform other medication-management duties consistent with licensure, regulatory requirements, and program operations.
