Specifications include, but are not limited to: DCS currently utilizes thirty-four (34) Transitional Homes for the short-term emergent placement needs of youth in state custody. There are approximately one hundred and forty-seven (147) beds in these homes, but capacity may fluctuate based on the unique needs of the youth. The youth in the transitional home beds are almost universally receiving medication management, particularly psychotropic medications. Currently, DCS Case Managers are responsible for the daily tracking and distribution of medications to the youth. While the regions are assigned a DCS employed nurse that is available for consultation, the nurses’ work responsibilities and caseloads preclude the ability to provide medication management within the transitional homes. Additionally, the geographical requirements and the time periods when oversight is needed overlap across regions making it difficult for one nurse to administration medication across an entire region. DCS is interested in crafting an alternative plan for the management and distribution of medications by licensed healthcare professionals. The tracking and distribution of medication for the youth is a critical function and the preference is that this function be fulfilled by trained medical personnel. DCS is seeking to understand the availability for health care services where a health care professional would be available to administer and track medications for youth within the transitional homes. We foresee the need for multiple times a day with a minimum of twice daily onsite administration of medications, seven days a week and to track those medications in compliance with DCS Administrative Policy and Procedure: 20.15 “Medication Administration, Storage, and Disposal.” (https://files.dcs.tn.gov/policies/chap20/20.15.pdf)
