The deadliest weapon we, medication administrators have , are the medications we give, if we do not have sufficient information of the drugs' action or reaction.  Insulin should receive more attention in this course module because our country in seeing newly diagnosed diabetics in alarming numbers. The population that medication aides work with are usually geriatric and/or mentally impaired.  This does not mean that any body with little training should give them medications.   The person that gives a medication is the last safety net between and the patient, therefore appropriate training is required. We, society, should be their advocates and ensure that proper training is mandated for those that administer medications to them.  A name badge should always be worn by a caregiver as a form of identification.  The "Nurse's uniform" is nolonger restricted to the nursing profession, so it does not, in any form, identify the med aide or nurse. Wouldn't any pt want to know the name and title of the person taking care of them in the hospital or other setting?  It creates some sense of ease to know who is taking care of a person. 

The Virginia Dept of Health Professions has held a high standard for anybody that is certified in any of the health fields in this State and should strive relentlessly to maintain that.  Any training that increases the safe practice of health care employees should be made a requirement for certification in that field.

Thank you

kadi