Source: ABC News

The Queensland Nurses Union says it is worried the State Government is considering allowing unlicensed carers to dispense medication in nursing homes.

Spokesperson Anne Garrahy says only licensed nurses are supposed to give medication to residents who cannot keep track of it themselves.

Ms Garrahy says patient health would be put at risk if the rules are relaxed.

"If a resident is not able to tell the assistant in nursing or carer for example that no they've been vomiting so they best not take their diabetic tablet today for example, then harm could come to that resident," she said.

"Currently what happens is the licensed nurse is accountable to the regulatory body of nursing to make sure that they only give the medicines to the resident if it is safe to do so."

Queensland Health says new guidelines are being drafted, but carers will not be permitted to give medication to high-needs patients.