Medication Support Practical Competency Check
A structured worksheet to help an employer record a practical medication-support competency check after the worker has received the training, instruction and supervision required for their role.
1. Worker and assessment details
Role:
Service/team:
Assessment date:
Next review (provider decides):
Before assessment, confirm the worker's permitted medication-support category/tasks and the person-specific support plan.
2. Practical observation
Mark each item Demonstrated, Needs support, or Not applicable. Add notes where context matters.
A. Works within role and support plan
Worker can identify what medication support they are permitted to provide, follows the current support plan and knows when they must stop and seek advice rather than make a medication decision themselves.
B. Checks before providing support
Worker follows the provider's required checks and person-specific instructions before supporting medication, including checking for discrepancies or changes that require clarification.
C. Supports the person safely and respectfully
Worker follows the agreed medication-support process, protects dignity and choice, and does not exceed their role or independently alter medication instructions.
D. Responds appropriately to a problem
Worker can explain or demonstrate what they would do for a refusal, discrepancy, suspected error, unexpected change, or concern about the person's condition — including prompt escalation through the provider's process.
E. Documents correctly
Worker completes the records required for the task and knows how medication incidents or concerns are reported within the organisation.
F. Knows where to get help
Worker can identify the appropriate RN/responsible person or escalation route and knows not to guess when instructions are unclear.
3. Assessment outcome
☐ Competency demonstrated for the medication-support tasks assessed
☐ Further training / supervised practice required before independent practice
☐ Reassessment required
☐ Other / restrictions:
Actions / notes:
4. Sign-off and evidence
Date:
Role/authority to assess:
Date:
Record the outcome in your training/competency register. The free NZQC Training Matrix has fields for competency status, checker and check date.
Basis for this tool
The Ministry of Health's HCSS Medication Guidelines say providers should have medication policies/processes, ensure training is in place, verify employees as competent for medication-support functions and maintain training and competency records. The same guidance says home support workers should pass an annual medication competency as appropriate, adhere to the support plan and escalate issues/adverse events. WorkSafe guidance also recommends considering practical tests or observation to show workers understand training and are competent for the task. This NZQC worksheet is an implementation aid; it does not replace those sources, clinical judgement or provider procedures.
Sources: Ministry of Health, Medication Guidelines for the Home and Community Support Services Sector; WorkSafe, Providing information, training, instruction or supervision for workers.