Medication Aide
The Medication Aide program is a state regulated training and certification program that prepares nurse aides to administer medications in state-licensed facilities. Students receive instruction and training in the preparation and administration of medications; observe, report, and document resident's status; review principles of safety; and demonstrate knowledge of measurement systems, body systems, and common diseases. Upon completion, students will prepare for the state examination through the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) to become a Certified Medication Aide.
This program is mandated by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N, concerning the administration of medications to facility residents, and the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B, concerning the administration of medication by a home and community support services agency.
Texas Health and Human Services - Medication Aide Program Information
The Medication Aide Update course is a 7-hour course that is mandated annually for currently licensed Medication Aides. The course is designed to refresh individuals on the “medication aide requirements” originating from the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Students will be able to verbally demonstrate scope of practice and be able to voice and acknowledge principals of medication administration updates, FDA updates, medication classifications and side effects, medication error reporting, practicing in different care settings. Students will review the differences of medication administration in the care settings such as long term care, home health, assisted living and corrections and additional areas of discussion will include resource areas for medication aides. The instructor will also lead the students in discussions surrounding current trends and concerns in different settings as well as medications specific to settings.
All registrations will have to be completed on-line or in person on or before 4:30 pm the day before class begins. We do not do same day registrations.
Beginning August 1st, 2021 HHSC will require fingerprint-based criminal history checks on current medication aides renewing their permit and prospective aides before graduating from a training program. The cost to submit fingerprints is $38.25 and is the responsibility of the medication aide. This is a one-time cost, as the fingerprints are not required to be submitted again. If they are charged with a crime our CBC department will be notified of the charges and will determine if they are ineligible to work as a Medication Aide.
For renewals:
- Prior to renewal, the medication aide will be notified of the fingerprinting requirement via mail or email. If the medication aide attempts to renew prior to their renewal month, the renewal will not be processed until fingerprinting is completed.
- Fingerprints must be submitted through the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) vendor. Locations and information about scheduling an appointment for fingerprinting can be found at https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/pages/FASTSubLoc.htm. The medication aide will be given a service code needed to schedule when they are notified of the fingerprinting requirement. For help getting a code, email Medication_Aide_Program@hhs.texas.gov
PLEASE TRY TO RENEW YOUR LICENSE 3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR LICENSE EXPIRES!
This is an Online class - Once you register, we will email you your login credentials
