Bill > S0186

This bill revises the criteria for what constitutes assistance with self-administration of medication in assisted living facilities, expanding the types of help that unlicensed personnel can provide to residents. Specifically, it clarifies that assistance includes bringing pre-filled insulin syringes or manufacturer-prefilled insulin pens to residents, helping with nebulizer treatments by opening medication and pouring it into the device, and assisting with blood glucose checks using a glucometer. It also adds assistance with applying and removing anti-embolism stockings, using oxygen cannulas (but not adjusting oxygen levels), using CPAP devices (but not adjusting settings), measuring vital signs, and using colostomy bags. The bill also clarifies that mixing, compounding, converting, or calculating medication doses is generally not permitted, except for measuring liquids or crushing/breaking scored tablets as prescribed. Importantly, this assistance by unlicensed persons will not be considered medication administration as defined by Florida law, meaning these individuals will not be subject to the same regulations as licensed pharmacists or nurses.