What happens to unused medications at a student's discharge?

The proper management of unused medications at a student's discharge is crucial for safety and adherence to regulations. When a student is discharged, the protocol typically involves assessing the medications that have not been used.

The correct process states that these unused medications are either sent with the student to a new placement or destroyed at Whitney Academy. This ensures that any medications that are no longer needed are disposed of properly, minimizing the risk of misuse or accidental ingestion. Additionally, if the student is transitioning to a new placement, providing the unused medications can help ensure continuity of care, as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

In contrast, returning medications to the pharmacy might not always be feasible or necessary, depending on the specific circumstances of the discharge and the pharmacy's policies. Storing unused medications indefinitely is not an acceptable practice, as it poses risks related to medication expiration and potential misuse. Lastly, donating unused medications is generally not approved since medications must be managed according to strict legal and health guidelines to ensure safety.

Overall, the outlined handling of unused medications reflects best practices that prioritize health and safety during transitions in student care.