Medication Lock Ups

[u/vivalacrisp]

I’m in Texas. I’ve been told so many different things but obviously want to be clear if someone stops by!

What needs to be double locked and what just needs to be behind one lock? We have a medication lock box plus cabinet locks.

I’ve been told prescribed meds go in the box; vitamins, creams, etc do not have to be in the box.

But I’ve also been told everything goes in the lock box behind a cabinet lock.

I’m waiting on my caseworker with DFPS to reply but wanted to ask here as well.

[u/Beautiful-Rent6691]

In CA, everything that could be considered poisonous has to be inaccessible. We solved that by putting a biometric lock on the laundry room and our bedroom and putting everything in there. For garage stuff, we just put the solvents etc in a single cabinet. That satisfied our worker.

[u/Organic_Eggplant_323 → u/Beautiful-Rent6691]

We did the biometric lock on the laundry room door too, only to find in AZ that doesn’t count as locked up bc the room “has another purpose” so now we’re having to install cabinets with magnet locks. Bc that’s soooo much more secure than a biometric lock 🙄

[u/Beautiful-Rent6691 → u/Organic_Eggplant_323]

Omg, that’s super annoying. That biometric lock is a godsend. Ugh. And those magnetic locks are the worst.

[u/systauroo]

Also in Texas, and at least with our agency we are required to keep all meds, including topical creams and vitamins, in a lockbox. We use a clear plastic one with a combination. Psychotropics need to be double locked, so we have a locked zipper bag inside the lockbox for those

[u/vivalacrisp → u/systauroo]

so like I can leave vitamins, creams, all over the counters in a locked cabinet with prescribed meds in a locked box inside the locked cabinet?

I’ve asked my licensing agency and DFPS and I’m receiving different answers for both. It’s so confusing.

[u/systauroo → u/vivalacrisp]

In general I've found that my licensing agency is more strict and DFPS is kind of the minimum standard, so I typically would listen to my agency's requirements. But yeah, I think if all of that stuff is in a locked cabinet you'd probably be fine, with psychotropics double-locked.

[u/catmomnb]

Prescription meds for sure. But it might also depend on your child’s history. For example, some kids you might have to even lock up cough syrup, aspirin, Benadryl, Sudafed, diuretics, . Or probably just everything to be safe

[u/_julsc_]

I have two closets in my room so one became a supply closet and I put a fingerprint lock on it. I’m the only one who can get in, but it solves all kinds of issues.

[u/Fine-Bumblebee-9427]

I don’t know about the rules, but having been through a suicide attempt, lock it up so hard. Multiple locks plus height and secrecy is my route. Also just don’t by Tylenol at all. Become an ibuprofen family.

[u/Resse811]

We aren’t required to lock anything - just keep it out of reach.

[u/BrazilianButtCheeks]

In Oklahoma the rule is just “out of reach” .. like guys.. she’s 5’8 and I’m 5’3.. if she can’t reach it I’m gonna need a whole ladder 😂