What must be included in a resident's Medication Administration Record (MAR)?

A resident's Medication Administration Record (MAR) is a critical document that serves to ensure safe and accurate administration of medications within an assisted living facility. One key aspect of a MAR is the requirement for a full signature and title of the individual administering medication. This level of detail is vital for accountability and traceability in medication administration. It helps ensure that there is a clear record of who administered which medication to the resident, providing transparency and facilitating communication among care staff. If any issues arise, such as side effects or medication errors, accurate documentation allows for appropriate follow-up and review of the medication administration process.

Including only the name of the medication would not provide enough information regarding who was responsible for administering it and does not ensure a clear chain of accountability. Similarly, personal opinions on medication effectiveness or general health status do not belong in the MAR. These pieces of information are relevant to overall care but are not components that directly relate to the medication administration record’s specific purpose of tracking medication administration.