Life Services Network (LSN) believes that the time has come
for Illinois to join 28 other states in approving the creation of
a medication aide position in nursing homes and in assisted
and supportive living environments.  There are so many
reasons to consider it and so few reasons against it that
will stand up to serious scrutiny, our expectation is that this
will inevitably become a law in Illinois.  We think it needs to be sooner rather than later.

In a survey of LSN member nurses about this issue, over 850 surveys were returned and analyzed.

The top benefits identified by the respondents included:

• “more time for nurse problem solving and monitoring”
• “more time for nurses to spend with residents”
• “additional career growth opportunities for UAPs” (unlicensed assistive personnel)

The top concerns perceived were:

• “increased medication administration error rates”
• “additional responsibilities for nurses regarding supervision and delegation”
• “increased health risks to residents”

The intent of this website is to present the facts about this divisive issue and we believe that the facts will speak for themselves regarding:

• why the timing is critical, including alarming statistics about the current and future nursing shortage;
• what other state experiences have been around this issue, including testimonials from nurses who have or are working with medication aides in other states;
• the misconceptions about increased medication error rates and diminished resident safety when medication aides are involved in medication administration;
• the benefits of medication aides for the resident, the nurse and the UAP;
• why fears about nurse delegation of this task and supervision of medication aides are unfounded.

Please review the Fact Sheets, read the testimonials, check out links to reports, data, articles and regulatory requirements in other states.  In particular examine the state map that indicates which 28 states currently have medication aides in one or more elder-care settings, and which ones are considering it.  We guarantee it will be an eye-opening experience!