Ohio DODD Medication Administration Certification 1 Requirements and Eligibility

Posted by:

Wendy Richmond, RN Educator

|

On:

|

, ,
, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ohio DODD Medication Administration FAQ

(Medication Administration, G/J Tubes, and Insulin — Certifications & Renewals)

1. What Medication Administration certifications does DODD offer?

Ohio DODD offers three levels of Medication Administration Certification:

  • Category 1 (Cert 1): Oral, topical, and inhaled medications
  • Category 2 (Cert 2): G-Tube and J-Tube medication administration
  • Category 3 (Cert 3): Insulin administration & injections for metabolic disorders

Each certification requires both training by a certified RN Trainer and a skills check in-person.

2. Who needs these certifications?

Any Direct Support Professional (DSP) working with individuals who require:

  • Assistance with daily medications (Cert 1)
  • Tube feedings or tube medication delivery (Cert 2)
  • Blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration (Cert 3)

Only DSPs who perform the skills as part of their job duties are required to maintain certification.

Requirements to Attend Medication Administration Certification 1 (Category 1)

(Based on Ohio DODD OAC 5123-2-6 Rule)

A person must meet all of the following to be eligible for Cert 1 training:

✔️ Be at least 18 years old

The DSP must be 18 or older on the first day of training.

✔️ Have a high school diploma or GED

Acceptable documents include:

  • High school diploma
  • GED certificate
  • College transcripts
  • Foreign diploma with verified translation

✔️ Be able to read, write, and understand English

DSP must demonstrate the ability to follow written instructions and complete required documentation.

✔️ Be free of disqualifying offenses

The employee must have a current background check (BCI or FBI as required) and no prohibited offenses listed under DODD rule.

✔️ Be employed by, or formally linked to, an agency serving people with developmental disabilities

They must be:

  • Employed by a DODD-certified agency provider or
  • An Independent Provider with an active Medicaid provider number or
  • A prospective employee who will be providing services upon certification

✔️ Be listed in the DODD system (IDS/CRM) so the RN Trainer can issue certification

The person must exist in the system with accurate identifying information before MAIS entry can occur.

✔️ Be capable of performing medication administration safely

The RN Trainer must verify that the DSP:

  • Can follow instructions
  • Can perform required physical tasks
  • Has no limitations that would impair safe medication delivery

Optional but Common Additional Requirements (Agency Policy)

Many providers also require:

  • Completion of New Hire Orientation
  • Completion of Basic DSP training
  • CPR/First Aid certification
  • Job description acknowledgement

These are not DODD rule requirements but may be required by employers.

3. What are the requirements for initial certification?

For Cert 1 (Medication Administration – Category 1):

  1. Complete an RN-taught classroom or online course that meets DODD standards.
  2. Pass the written test.
  3. Pass the hands-on skills check with an RN Trainer.

For Cert 2 (G/J Tube Certification):

  1. Must already hold an active Cert 1.
  2. Complete the RN-led tube feeding + medication course.
  3. Pass the written and hands-on skills checks specific to G/J tube procedures.

For Cert 3 (Insulin Certification):

  1. Must already hold an active Cert 1.
  2. Complete insulin administration coursework with an RN Trainer.
  3. Pass hands-on skills including:
    • Blood glucose monitoring
    • Insulin preparation
    • Insulin administration
    • Documentation and safety procedures

4. How long are the certifications valid?

All categories (1, 2, and 3) are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

5. How do DSPs renew their certifications?

Renewal requires two steps:

Step 1 — Complete the Online Renewal Course

The DSP must complete the online renewal lessons and pass the post-test for:

  • Cert 1
  • Cert 2 (if applicable)
  • Cert 3 (if applicable)

The renewal course updates the DSP on:

  • Changes in DODD rules
  • Safety protocols
  • Best practices
  • Documentation requirements

Step 2 — Skills Verification (Skills Check)

An RN Trainer or approved supervisor verifies ONLY the skills the DSP actually performs on the job.

Examples:

  • Pouring medications (Cert 1)
  • Bolus G-tube med administration (Cert 2)
  • Drawing up insulin (Cert 3)

The completed forms are submitted with the renewal application.

6. What documents must be submitted for renewal?

The agency must email the following to:

📧 [email protected]

For each DSP:

  1. The official 2-page DODD Medication Administration Renewal Application
  2. Completed Skills Check Form for the correct category (1, 2, or 3)
    • Only include the skills the DSP actually performs

The RN Trainer reviews the documents and enters the renewal into MAIS (Medication Administration Information System).

7. What is MAIS?

MAIS stands for Medication Administration Information System, the official DODD database.

RN Trainers must enter:

  • Completed certifications
  • Renewal dates
  • Skills check verification

MAIS is the system used to track DSP medication privileges statewide.

8. Does the DSP need to redo initial testing every year?

No.
Renewals do not require retaking the full initial course unless:

  • The certification has lapsed
  • The DSP failed the renewal requirements
  • Skills were not performed correctly or safely
  • DODD rules require retraining due to safety concerns

9. What happens if a DSP’s certification expires?

The DSP cannot administer medications until:

  1. They complete the full initial certification course again
  2. They complete all required skill checks
  3. The RN Trainer enters approval into MAIS

Agencies should monitor expiration dates using your DSP Training Tracker.

10. How can agencies keep track of renewal deadlines?

Use our FREE DSP Training Tracker to auto-highlight:

  • Expired certifications
  • Due soon certifications
  • Upcoming renewal dates

It tracks:

  • Cert 1, 2, & 3
  • CPR/FA
  • Required DSP training

11. Who can perform the skills check?

Only a DODD-certified RN Trainer may complete:

  • Cert 1 skills check
  • Cert 2 skills check
  • Cert 3 skills check

Agencies may also use approved supervisors for certain observational tasks if permitted by DODD, but RN oversight is always required.

12. How long does the renewal process take?

Typically:

  • Online course: 30–60 minutes per category
  • Skills check: 10–20 minutes depending on job duties
  • RN Trainer MAIS entry: 24–72 hours after receiving complete paperwork

Delays usually occur when forms are:

  • Missing signatures
  • Missing skills
  • Incomplete or illegible

13. How can we schedule bulk renewals for our agency?

Email:

📧 [email protected]

Include:

  • Number of DSPs
  • Certification types needed (1, 2, 3)
  • Preferred timeline
  • Whether you need on-site skills checks or remote verification

Bulk scheduling allows:

  • Invoicing
  • Bulk enrollment

Reserve a Seat

Posted by

Wendy Richmond, RN Educator

in

, ,