Failure to Attempt Gradual Dose Reduction for Psychotropic Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident receiving a psychotropic medication, specifically escitalopram 10mg daily for major depressive disorder, had a documented attempt at gradual dose reduction (GDR) or a clinical contraindication for not attempting GDR. The resident was admitted on this medication and transferred from another LTC facility, with continued use of the same dosage. Upon review, the DON confirmed there was no documentation in the resident's medical record indicating that a GDR had been attempted for the escitalopram. Facility policy requires that residents on psychotropic drugs receive GDRs and behavioral interventions, with attempts at GDR in two separate quarters within the first year of admission on such medications.