North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Who holds the legal responsibility for any medication or treatment that is administered?

1. The supervising physician

2. The medication aide

3. The nursing home administrator

4. The resident

The correct answer is: The medication aide

The medication aide holds the legal responsibility for any medication or treatment that they administer. This is rooted in the principle of accountability in the healthcare setting; when trained individuals, such as medication aides, are authorized to give medications, they are expected to operate within the scope of their training and adhere to regulatory standards. Medication aides are responsible for ensuring that they follow proper protocols, verify that the correct medication is administered to the right resident, and monitor for any potential side effects or reactions. This responsibility is critical to patient safety and lawful practice within healthcare facilities. While the supervising physician and nursing home administrator play important roles in overseeing the quality of care and policies within the facility, the direct responsibility for the administration of medication lies with the aide who performs the task. Additionally, the resident themselves cannot be held legally responsible for the administration of medications, as they rely on caregivers to manage their treatment safely and effectively. Hence, selecting the medication aide as the one who holds this legal responsibility is correct.