What type of staff should not be allowed to handle medications?

Staff without proper certification should not be allowed to handle medications because they lack the necessary training and knowledge to safely and effectively administer medications. Proper medication administration requires an understanding of pharmacology, the ability to recognize medication-related side effects and interactions, and adherence to safety protocols. Without this training, unqualified staff may pose a risk to the individuals they are serving, potentially leading to medication errors, adverse reactions, or harm.

In contrast, medically certified staff have undergone the appropriate education and training required to handle medications safely. Volunteers may or may not have the necessary training in medication administration, but typically, they do not have a formal clinical background. Family members, while they may have personal knowledge about the individual, are generally not trained in medication management, which means they are also unqualified to handle medications in professional settings.