If one of the Seven Rights does not match, what should the DSP do?

In situations where one of the Seven Rights does not match, it is essential for the Direct Support Professional (DSP) to prioritize safety and accuracy. Stopping and seeking assistance from another DSP, supervisor, doctor, or pharmacist ensures that any discrepancies are addressed correctly and timely. This step is vital in safeguarding the health and well-being of the individual receiving support.

The Seven Rights framework is designed to prevent medication errors and ensure that individuals receive the appropriate care. When even one Right is out of alignment—whether it pertains to the individual, medication, dosage, route, time, documentation, or reason—taking immediate action is critical. By consulting with a qualified individual, the DSP can clarify any uncertainties and avoid potentially harmful mistakes.

Taking the next course of action without addressing the inconsistency could lead to serious consequences. Likewise, changing the Right unilaterally undermines the established protocols and can result in dangerous outcomes. Assisting a different individual while ignoring the discrepancy would also not resolve the issue at hand and could put both individuals at risk. Therefore, seeking help is the most responsible and effective course of action in this scenario.