RNs, Unlicensed Staff Most Integral to Medication Quality Management in Assisted Living

​Primary care practitioners and pharmacists often play a "more peripheral" role than registered nurses (RNs) and unlicensed personnel in medication quality management in assisted living, according to a study in the June 2014 Journal of Gerontological Nursing. The study looked at medication management in 15 assisted-living settings in four states and included structured interviews with residents, medication aides, administrators, RNs, licensed practical nurses, pharmacists, and primary care providers. Residents strongly valued the assistance they received in managing medications in assisted living, despite some initial concerns about the added cost or loss of autonomy associated with beginning this service.