LPNs Administered IV Antibiotics Without Required Certification
Penalty
Summary
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at the facility were found to lack the required competencies and certifications to administer intravenous (IV) antibiotics, as evidenced by record reviews and staff interviews. Specifically, one LPN administered IV antibiotics and performed IV line flushing for a resident without having completed the mandated IV therapy certification and post-graduation training, which includes 30 hours of IV hydration training and 4 hours dedicated to central line care. The facility's professional standards require these certifications for LPNs performing such tasks, but documentation of the required certification for the LPN in question was not provided to the surveyor, despite requests. The resident involved had complex medical needs, including a recent admission with diagnoses such as sepsis following a hospital procedure, acute respiratory failure, alkalosis, and osteomyelitis. The resident was receiving multiple medications, including IV antibiotics, anticoagulants, and opioids. Interviews with staff revealed that LPNs were administering IV medications without the necessary certification, and there was a lack of awareness among some staff and consultants regarding the certification requirements. The Director of Nursing stated that LPNs providing IV care had the required certifications but was unable to produce documentation to verify this for the LPN who administered care to the resident.