HLTHPS006 - Assist clients with medication

HLTHPS007 and HLTHPS006 are two different units of competency within the health training package, each focusing on different aspects of health support services:

1. HLTHPS007 - Administer and Monitor Medications: This unit focuses on the skills and knowledge required to safely administer and monitor medications to clients. It covers the preparation, administration, and documentation of medications, as well as monitoring and responding to potential side effects and adverse reactions. This unit is typically aimed at healthcare workers who are responsible for administering medications in a variety of healthcare settings.

2. HLTHPS006 - Assist Clients with Medication: This unit is focused on supporting clients in the self-administration of medication. It includes understanding the principles of assisting clients with their medication routines, ensuring the correct dosage and timing, and providing support and guidance while respecting the client's independence. This unit is more about aiding clients in managing their medications rather than directly administering them.

In summary, HLTHPS007 is about directly administering medications and monitoring their effects, while HLTHPS006 is about assisting clients to self-administer their medications.

For workers in settings such as the disability sector the course HLTHPS006 is the standard for assisting clients with medication. 

Each Disability Service Provider will have their own requirements and policy regarding minimum training standards and requirements. It is important to confirm these requirements with your organisation. 

In Tasmania the Disability Services Medication Framework requires that all Disability Support Workers assisting with the administration of medication possess qualifications in first aid, healthy body systems and the administration of medication that is delivered by an RTO. 

The minimum requirement includes the following units:   

• HLTAID011 Provide first aid; and 
• HLTAAP001 Recognise healthy body systems; and*
• HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication*

* These can be completed together as CHCSS00070 Assist Clients with Medication Skillset. 

NDIS support workers can support the administration of medication, but this is subject to certain conditions and requirements. The ability of NDIS support workers to support the administration of medication depends on:

1. Training and Qualifications: Support workers must have appropriate training and qualifications to safely support the administration medication. This often includes completing specific units of competency such as HLTHPS006.

2. Employer Policies: The policies of the organisation employing the support worker will dictate whether they are permitted to administer medication. Some organisations may require additional internal training or certifications.

3. Client Needs and Care Plans: The administration of medication must be part of the client’s care plan, and support workers must follow the prescribed instructions and protocols.

4. Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with state and territory regulations regarding medication administration is essential. These regulations vary and may include specific guidelines or restrictions.

In summary, while NDIS support workers can support the administration of medication, they must be properly trained, work within their employer’s guidelines, and adhere to the relevant regulations and the client’s care plan.

The terms "medication assist" and "medication prompt" refer to different levels of support provided to individuals in managing their medications:

1. Medication Assist: This involves providing hands-on support to clients who may not be able to take their medication independently. Assistance can include tasks such as opening medication containers, preparing doses, and directly administering the medication to the client. The support worker plays an active role in ensuring the medication is taken correctly, often involving a higher level of intervention and responsibility.

2. Medication Prompt: This involves providing verbal reminders or cues to clients to take their medication at the appropriate times. It is a less intrusive form of support where the client is primarily responsible for taking the medication, but they may need reminders to remember when and which medications to take. The support worker’s role is to encourage and remind the client, without directly handling or administering the medication.

In summary, medication assist involves more direct, hands-on help with the actual administration of medication, while medication prompt involves reminding and encouraging the client to take their medication independently.

The unit HLTHPS006 does not have an industry recommended renewal date however Disability Service Providers must have policies in place for monitoring ongoing competency of staff assisting with the administration of medication and refreshing knowledge. These processes may take many different forms however will be part of the organisations policy and procedures.