Can the registered nurse hide medication in food for a patient who refuses to take the medication?

The nursing laws and rules do not address this question. Some facility laws do address medication refusal. The WAC 388-76 Adult Family Home Minimum Licensing Requirements addresses medication refusal: WAC 388-76-10435 Medication Refusal. Hiding medications and not notifying the patient may be a violation of patient rights. See the Washington State Department of Health Patient Rights Guidelines for more information.