Mental Healthcare Question..

[jason1220]

I work in a mental healthcare home within Montana, and we had a client refuse to take her meds, her doctor ordered the meds to be crushed.
Now the supervisor is having us put the meds in her food and drink without her knowledge. This is very unethical and not sure if it is legal or not.
If anyone could help me find a reference if it is not legal I would be greatly appreciated.

[angie25961]

Your client legally has the right to refuse meds, however, by using trickery to get them to take may not be illegal. It depends on the level on cognivity your client has. Can they make healthy choices. I also work in the direct care field for almost 15 years now, and I have had many clients refuse their meds at times. Depending on the client I may put it in pudding and offer a snack if they aren't at the level of making a healthy choice, but another client who may have the understanding I would remind them that not taking their prescribed meds isn't a healthy decision. You also have to keep in mind whether or not the meds that prescribed can be crushed up. Some are time released and if crushed and them consumed this can become a health & safety issue. I would look into MT DPHHS and or DDP. Good Luck and thanks for your sincere concern.