Greg Piper here with another shift briefing regarding Medication Administration.

Q: How does a Medication Manager benefit corrections professionals as opposed to using a paper medical administration record (MAR)?

A: Let’s compare the use of SPARTAN versus paper logging for medication administration. The SPARTAN allows you to have a date/time-stamped cloud-based digital record of medication distribution and allows you to put the onus upon the inmate who's taking the medication and off the person who's distributing it. With MAR paper logs, the onus can be placed on the person distributing the medication.

How Does GUARDIAN RFID's SPARTAN Differ From MAR Paper Logging?

Traditionally, with paper logging, medication is handed to the offender; then the distributor signs the MAR paper log. While this process has been in place for years, does it provide the legally defensible data you need? Are the records for each inmate easily retrievable?

This process has been modernized with the Medication Manager on the SPARTAN. Simply scanning an inmate’s wristband or ID card instantly brings up their name and profile on the SPARTAN. Next, confirm that the prescribed medications match those displayed on the SPARTAN before offering them to the inmate, who can then choose to accept or decline. Their decision is recorded electronically on the SPARTAN, ensuring you have digital verification.

This process provides a thorough verification system: the wristband or ID card scan confirms the inmate’s identity, you verify that the correct medications are present, and the inmate’s signature authenticates the transaction. Importantly, the staff member administering the medication is already logged into the device, clearly identifying who is present during the process.

By capturing this information on the SPARTAN, you enhance safety and security in one of the facility's most critical areas—medical and medication distribution. We understand how vital this is for the well-being of both inmates and staff. Our goal is to minimize risk and ensure a safe environment for your team, making this system an essential tool for protecting everyone involved. As always, get your team home safe.

Defensible eMars Reporting: No More Paper Logs or MARs

On average, 40% of inmates have a prescription medication. From complaints of not getting their medications to delays in getting their medications, investigating medication-based issues can consume a great deal of your time, resources, and focus.

"Documentation is key in a correctional facility," according to Chief Deputy Dan Schleusener, Buffalo Co. Sheriff's Office (Kearney, Nebraska). The Buffalo Co. Jail team migrated away from paper logs and an iButton-based guard tour system to streamline cell checks, medication administration records, and inmate activity logging in real-time to maximize their defensibility.

The transition from traditional paper Medical Administration Records (MAR) to GUARDIAN RFID's SPARTAN system represents a significant advancement in medication administration within correctional facilities. The SPARTAN's cloud-based platform not only ensures accurate, date/time-stamped records but also shifts the responsibility of medication acceptance to the inmate, enhancing accountability and traceability. This modernized process provides a more defensible and efficient approach to documentation, reducing the risk of errors and complaints associated with medication distribution. 

By implementing SPARTAN, corrections professionals can streamline their operations, improve safety and security, and ultimately create a more supportive environment for both inmates and staff. As we continue to prioritize the well-being of everyone involved, embracing innovative solutions like SPARTAN is essential for ensuring effective medication management in our facilities.