California Code § 101226(e)(3)(B): Medication Authorization

❌ Common Mistakes

• Accepting verbal permission from a parent to administer medication instead of getting it in writing. A phone call saying 'give him his inhaler if he needs it' doesn't meet the requirement. Inspectors look for a signed, written authorization in the child's record.
• Keeping the authorization form in a general binder instead of in the individual child's record. The regulation specifically says documentation must be kept in the child's record. Inspectors check the child's file, and if it's not there, it's a citation even if the form exists somewhere else.
• Parent instructions that conflict with the prescription label. A parent might write 'give two teaspoons' when the label says one teaspoon. Providers follow the parent's instructions trying to be accommodating, but the regulation explicitly prohibits parent instructions from conflicting with the physician's prescription.
• Not updating the authorization when a prescription changes. Dosages get adjusted, medications get switched, and the old authorization form stays in the file. Inspectors compare the form to the current bottle. Any mismatch is a finding.