Failure to Provide Timely Pharmaceutical Services for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely pharmaceutical services for two residents who required medication for their medical conditions. One resident, admitted with cancer, had an order for Nystatin Mouth/Throat Suspension to treat thrush, but the medication was repeatedly unavailable over several days. Progress notes indicated that staff could not locate the medication on multiple occasions, and there was confusion regarding the medication's stop date, resulting in only a small amount being sent by the pharmacy. Staff confirmed the medication was not found in the medication cart or emergency dispensary, and the usual procedure was to notify the nurse and verify if the medication had been ordered. The Director of Nursing expected staff to call the pharmacy if a medication was not available. Another resident, admitted with hypertension and heart disease, had an order for daily isosorbide mononitrate. The medication was not available on several days, as documented in the medication administration records and electronic notes. Staff confirmed the medication could not be located and were unsure if it had been reordered. The pharmacist stated that the medication was ordered and sent out as requested, but gaps in administration occurred due to the medication's unavailability within the facility.