Renewal Requirements for Medication Administration Certification in Ohio
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Ohio must renew their Medication Administration Certification annually to continue administering medications and performing health-related activities. Here’s a concise guide to the renewal process:
Renewal Requirements for Medication Administration Certification in Ohio
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Ohio must renew their Medication Administration Certification annually to continue administering medications and performing health-related tasks. Here’s what you need to know for each certification level:
Category 1 – Renewal Requirements
- Frequency: Every 1 year
- Education: At least 2 hours of continuing education related to medication administration
- Skills Check: Must demonstrate continued competency with a certified RN Trainer
- Verification: Certification must be renewed and recorded with DODD before resuming medication administration
- Background Check: Required unless the provider is enrolled in the Rapback program
- Grace Period: 60 days to renew after expiration (no medication administration during this time)
- Expired Over 1 Year: Must retake the initial certification course
Category 2 – Renewal Requirements
Category 2 covers more complex tasks like G-tube medication administration.
- Frequency: Every 1 year
- Education: Minimum of 2 hours of continuing education focused on Category 2 tasks (e.g., enteral medication administration)
- Skills Demonstration: Must be conducted in person by a DODD-certified RN Trainer
- Verification: Ensure current DODD registration before resuming duties
- Background Check: As with Category 1, unless enrolled in Rapback
💡 You must already have an active Category 1 certification to renew Category 2.
Category 3 – Renewal Requirements
Category 3 includes tasks like insulin administration and vaginal/rectal medications.
- Frequency: Every 1 year
- Education: At least 2 hours of focused training on Category 3 tasks
- Competency Check: In-person evaluation of skills by a certified RN Trainer
- Documentation: Competency and training records must be submitted to DODD for official renewal
- Additional Notes: Must have active Category 1 and Category 2 certifications to hold Category 3
Tips for Staying Compliant
- Use the DODD MyLearning Portal for available continuing education
- Track your renewal dates—set calendar reminders 90 days before expiration
- Work with your agency to schedule your RN skills checks and submit documentation on time
Keeping your certification current is not only required—it ensures you’re providing the safest and most effective care possible.
For official forms and more info, visit the Ohio DODD Medication Administration page.
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Annual Renewal Essentials
- Certification Validity: Each Medication Administration Certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. (Approved Med Admin – Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities)
- Continuing Education: Completion of two hours of continuing education related to medication administration and/or health-related activities is required.
- Skills Demonstration: DSPs must demonstrate competency in medication administration and health-related activities. (Medication Administration | Mont Co. Board of Dev Disabilities …)
Renewal Timeline and Lapse Policy
- Renewal Window: DSPs can initiate the renewal process up to 90 days before their certification expires. (Renewing Provider Certification)
- Post-Expiration Grace Period: If certification expires, there is a 60-day period during which renewal is possible without retaking the initial training. However, DSPs may not administer medications or perform health-related activities during this time. (Medication Administration | Mont Co. Board of Dev Disabilities …)
- Reinstatement Requirement: If certification has expired for one year or more, DSPs must complete the initial certification process anew if the grace period has passed 60 days. (Certification Renewal – Provider Relations FCBDD)
Verification and Compliance
- Certification Status: DSPs must ensure their certification is current and verified through the DODD Medication Administration Certification Verification system before administering medications. (Approved Med Admin – Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities)
- Background Checks: Providers not enrolled in the Rapback program must obtain an updated BCI background check as part of the renewal process. (Renewing Provider Certification)
Staying compliant with these renewal requirements ensures that DSPs continue to provide safe and effective care to individuals with developmental disabilities. For more detailed information and resources, visit the Ohio DODD Medication Administration page.