Can expired medication be given to residents?

The decision to never give expired medication to residents is grounded in safety and efficacy. Medications can degrade over time, leading to reduced potency and effectiveness. When medications expire, there is also an increased risk of harmful side effects and inconsistent dosing, which can compromise the health of residents. Additionally, regulatory guidelines and best practice recommendations emphasize that only medications that are within their expiration date should be administered to ensure the highest standards of care.

While some might argue exceptions could be made in emergency situations or based on a doctor's guidance, administering expired medications poses too great a risk. The responsibility of caregivers is to maintain the health and safety of residents, which means adhering strictly to policies regarding medication management. Therefore, the best course of action is to never give expired medications under any circumstances.