Medication Policy

1. Purpose 

This policy sets out how Falcon Greencare, a healthcare recruitment agency, ensures that agency staff are recruited, placed, and managed in a way that promotes safe and effective administration of medication. It supports compliance with CQC Fundamental Standards, particularly Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), safeguarding, and good governance. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to: 

• All employees of Falcon Greencare 
• Agency workers supplied by Falcon Greencare 
• Managers, recruiters, compliance staff, and supervisors 
• Anyone acting on behalf of the organisation 

It covers all aspects of medication handling, administration, and reporting during placements in healthcare and social care settings. 

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework 

This policy is informed by: 

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Regulation 12 
• The Medicines Act 1968 
• Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) / Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards 
• CQC guidance on medication management 
• Care Act 2014 (Safeguarding) 

4. Roles and Responsibilities 

Directors / Registered Manager 

• Ensure overall compliance with medication policies and procedures 
• Provide guidance and oversight for safe practice 

Recruitment and Compliance Staff 

• Verify qualifications, competency, and training of staff regarding medication 
• Ensure references and DBS checks confirm suitability for medication-related duties 

Agency Workers 

• Administer medications only if trained, competent, and authorised 
• Follow client policies and procedures 
• Report any errors, near misses, or concerns immediately 

Safeguarding Lead 

• Provide advice on safeguarding incidents related to medication 
• Liaise with relevant authorities as required 

5. Safe Recruitment and Competency 

• Only suitably qualified and competent staff will be placed where medication administration is required 
• Verification of training, registration, and competency is mandatory 
• Induction and refresher training must include medication policies, safe handling, and reporting procedures 

6. Medication Administration Principles 

• Medications must be administered according to client policies and legal requirements
• The “Five Rights” must always be followed:
  1. Right person 
  2. Right medication 
  3. Right dose 
  4. Right route 
  5. Right time
• Records must be accurate, complete, and legible 
• Errors must be reported promptly and investigated 

7. Handling and Storage 

• Medications must be stored securely and in accordance with manufacturer and client guidance 
• Controlled drugs (CDs) must be stored, logged, and reconciled according to legal requirements 
• Expired or damaged medications must be disposed of safely 

8. Reporting and Incident Management 

• Any errors, omissions, or adverse reactions must be reported immediately to the client and internal compliance lead 
• Investigations must be conducted, and learning shared to prevent recurrence 
• Serious incidents must be escalated in line with the Duty of Candour and safeguarding policies 

9. Training and Competency Assessment 

• Agency workers must demonstrate competency before administering medications 
• Refresher training must be completed regularly (as per client and professional requirements) 
• Training records will be maintained and audited 

10. Safeguarding and Risk Management 

• Medication errors may constitute a safeguarding concern 
• Staff must be alert to risks and report concerns immediately 
• MCA principles apply when administering medication to service users who lack capacity 

11. Record Keeping 

• Medication administration records (MAR) must be completed accurately 
• Records must be stored securely and comply with GDPR 
• All incidents, near misses, and training records must be documented 

12. Audit and Monitoring 

• Compliance with this policy will be monitored through audits, incident reports, and supervision 
• Findings will inform training, placement suitability, and continuous improvement 

13. Whistleblowing 

Staff are encouraged to raise concerns regarding medication safety without fear of reprisal, in line with the Whistleblowing Policy. 

14. Review 

This policy will be reviewed every 2 years or sooner if legislation, guidance, or best practice changes. 

Date written: 27/2/2026
To be reviewed: 27/02/2027