Which of the following must be authorized to store medications in assisted living facilities?

The requirement that a registered nurse or licensed caregiver must be authorized to store medications in assisted living facilities is based on regulatory guidelines and safety practices. This is important because medications can have significant effects on residents' health, and their proper handling is critical for ensuring residents receive the correct dosage at the right times. Licensed caregivers, including nurses, have the appropriate training and knowledge to manage medications safely, including understanding dosage, potential interactions, and storage requirements.

In contrast, a physician is typically responsible for prescribing medications but may not be involved in the actual storage or administration in a facility setting. A facility manager, while overseeing operations, does not usually possess the medical training necessary to ensure safe medication handling practices. Allowing any staff member without specific training to store medications could lead to errors, mismanagement, and potentially harmful situations for residents. Therefore, restricting this responsibility to trained professionals supports the health and safety of residents in assisted living environments.