During the coronavirus (COVID-19) statewide emergency, and effective until August 1, 2020, or until further notice, a waiver of some provisions in OAC 5123:2-6-06 (E) regarding renewals of medication administration certification will be in effect.

Currently, rule specifies that personnel may not administer medications or health-related activities if/when their medication administration certification(s) expires, and that nurses may not delegate to personnel with expired certifications.

Rule further indicates that if personnel do not complete the renewal requirements within 60 days after the date of expiration, they must complete the initial certification course in its entirety.

In accordance with rule 5123:2-6-06 (F), Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director Jeff Davis waives these provisions with the following stipulations:

• Personnel with a history of current medication administration certifications may continue to administer medications and receive nurse delegation to administer medications for up to 180 days past the expiration date(s) of any certifications (Category 1, 2, and 3).

• Personnel with a history of current medication administration certification may meet the requirements for renewal without repeating the entire certification course up to 180 days after certification expiration.

This applies to all categories of medication administration certification. As per the current rule and Medication Administration Information System (MAIS) functionality, Category 1 certification will be required to be made current in MAIS prior to renewal of Category 2 or 3 certifications in the system.

Please note that certification renewal expiration dates are bookended with the previous certification span. Therefore, the delay of renewal in 2020 will not create an extended certification date in 2021. Employers and personnel will need to be aware and renew the next certification span in a timely manner.

DODD has set up a dedicated web page for department communications and links to helpful resources that will advise people with disabilities, their families, service providers, direct support professionals, county boards of developmental disabilities, and the community at large.

For specific questions about COVID-19 and additional information and resources, DODD urges you to use the Ohio Department of Health’s call center. Call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634), or visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.