Failure to Obtain Proper Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain and complete informed consent for psychotropic medications for two of four sampled residents. For one resident, the consent for Seroquel 25 mg at bedtime was signed by nursing staff on one date and by the physician on a later date, with the process described as nurses obtaining consent from the family or resident and the physician signing during their visit. For another resident, the consent for Risperidone 1 mg at bedtime was similarly signed by nurses and then by the physician at a later date, with the nurse stating that consents are obtained from the family and resident in the facility. A review of the facility's policy indicated that it is the physician's responsibility to review medication information and obtain informed consent from the patient or legal guardian prior to the initial administration of the medication. The policy also allows for consent to be obtained in person or by telephone, with a licensed nurse witnessing the conversation if consent is given verbally. The documented process in these cases did not align with the facility's policy, as the physician did not directly obtain informed consent prior to medication administration.