Failure to Provide Timely Pharmaceutical Services and Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide routine medications in a timely manner for a resident with diagnoses including neuropathy, arthritis, and a recent urinary tract infection. After being readmitted from the hospital, the resident had physician orders for cephalexin (an antibiotic) and guaifenesin (a cough suppressant). Documentation showed that several doses of cephalexin were not administered as ordered due to issues such as a power outage, lack of medication in the Emergency Drug Kit (EDK), and insurance authorization delays. The Medication Administration Record (MAR) and progress notes indicated missed doses, and interviews revealed confusion regarding the source of administered doses and transcription errors indicating another pharmacy would supply the medication. The facility pharmacy had not communicated insurance coverage issues, and staff did not follow up with the pharmacy regarding the missing medication or authorization. Similarly, guaifenesin was not administered as ordered for several scheduled doses because it was not delivered from the pharmacy and was not available in the EDK. Progress notes documented the unavailability of the medication, and interviews confirmed transcription errors and uncertainty about the source of one administered dose. Facility policy required medication orders to be entered and sent to the pharmacy, but the process was not followed correctly, resulting in the resident not receiving prescribed medications as ordered.