Who should have access to the medication cabinet?

• A. The resident
• B. The CMT and nurse
• C. Family members
• D. Any staff with access

Answer: (B)

Access to the medication cabinet must be restricted to people who are trained and authorized to handle medications. This ensures meds are stored securely, identified correctly, and given to the right patient at the right time with proper documentation and checks.

A Certified Medication Technician and a nurse are the trained personnel who routinely prepare, verify, and administer medications, following procedures like the five rights and facility policies. They understand when a medication should be given, how to verify orders, and how to record administration, which is why they are the appropriate people to have access.

Residents should not have access to the cabinet because it poses safety risks and can compromise medication accuracy and privacy. Family members should also not access meds for similar reasons. Allowing any staff with access who are not trained or authorized would increase the chance of errors, misuse, or confidentiality breaches.