Covert administration is giving a medication to someone in a disguised form — typically crushed and added to food or drink — without them knowing they're taking it. It is a serious clinical decision that requires Mental Capacity Act (MCA) documentation and is reserved for people who lack capacity to consent to the medication.
When covert administration is appropriate
The person lacks capacity to make a decision about the specific medication.
A formal best-interest decision has been made by a multidisciplinary team.
The medication is essential to the person's wellbeing.
There is no less restrictive option.
The plan has been agreed with the GP and pharmacist (crushing or modifying can change a drug's pharmacology).
Heads up — Covert administration without proper MCA documentation is potentially unlawful and a safeguarding concern. Use this feature only when the formal best-interest decision is documented and accessible to your service.
In Carerealm
A medication is marked covert via its is_covert flag. Once flagged, the medication appears under eMAR → More → Covert Medications with its MCA reference and review schedule. See MCA documentation and Monthly reviews.