Failure to Obtain Informed Consent Prior to Administration of Psychotropic Medication
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident, who was alert, oriented, and capable of making their own healthcare decisions, was administered nine doses of an antipsychotic medication (Quetiapine) before the facility obtained their informed consent. The resident had been admitted with diagnoses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with pneumonia, new onset seizures, and a nasal gastrostomy tube for nutrition. The resident's assessment indicated they were cognitively intact and able to make decisions regarding their care. Despite facility policy requiring residents to be fully informed of their health status and treatments, and to provide consent for psychotropic medications, the required written consent was not obtained prior to the administration of Quetiapine. Interviews with nursing staff and management confirmed that the consent process was not completed as expected, and the medication was given before the resident signed the informed consent form. The failure to obtain consent was not identified by supervisory staff until after the medication had already been administered.