Montana Title 53. Social Services and Institutions § 53-20-145. Right to be free from unnecessary or excessive medication

Residents have a right to be free from unnecessary or excessive medication. Medication may not be administered unless at the written order of a physician. The individual treatment planning team and the attending physician are responsible for all medication given or administered to a resident. The use of medication may not exceed standards of use that are advocated by the United States food and drug administration. Notation of each individual's medication must be kept in the individual's medical records. A pharmacist or a registered nurse shall review monthly the record of each resident on medication for potential adverse reactions, allergies, interactions, contraindications, rationality, and laboratory test modifications and shall advise the physician of any problems. Medications must be reviewed quarterly by the attending or staff physician. At least monthly, an attending physician shall review the drug regimen of each patient on psychotropic medication. All prescriptions must be written with a termination date that may not exceed 90 days. Medication for newly admitted residents must be reviewed and reordered as necessary upon admission and then every 30 days for the first 90 days. Medications may not be used as punishment, for the convenience of staff, as a substitute for a habilitation program, or in quantities that interfere with the resident's treatment program. This section may not be interpreted to relieve a physician or other professional or medical staff person from any obligation to adequately monitor the medication of a resident, with due consideration to the nature of the medication, the purpose for which it is given, and the condition of the resident.