Supporters of the bill, approved 55-44 on Tuesday, say the certified nurse aides would have to be trained every two years, work under the direction of a registered nurse, couldn't give opioids and other drugs listed as having high potential for abuse and could give injections only with pre-filled insulin.
Aides would have to record every medication they give. They couldn't calculate dosages or work from verbal doctor's orders.
Opponents say their concerns are patient safety as well as the potential diversion of allowable medications, which include barbiturates that are potentially addictive.
Lawmakers on both sides note that 25 states allow the practice and 25 don't.
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West Virginia House backs aides giving nursing home drugs
Who needs nurses then? Pretty soon the janitor will be dispensing drugs and giving shots.
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