What must an AMAP do in the event of a medication error?

In the event of a medication error, it is crucial for an AMAP to report the error immediately to a supervisor and follow the facility's protocol. This approach ensures a transparent and effective response to the error, prioritizing patient safety and proper care. By reporting the incident, the AMAP allows for necessary clinical assessments and interventions to be performed, which can help mitigate any potential harm to the patient.

Additionally, following the facility's protocol helps standardize the response to medication errors, fostering a culture of safety and learning within the healthcare environment. It enables the healthcare team to investigate the error fully, determine its root cause, and implement preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

In contrast, covering up the error could lead to severe consequences for the patient and the healthcare provider, eroding trust and compromising safety. Waiting for the patient to mention an issue places the responsibility solely on the patient, which is unfair and risky. Changing a patient's medication without consulting anyone can lead to further complications and does not comply with proper medication management practices.