Failure to Administer IV Antibiotics as Ordered Due to Medication Unavailability
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer intravenous (IV) antibiotics as ordered by the physician for two residents receiving IV therapy. One resident reported missing an entire day of IV antibiotics because the medication was not ordered, and this was confirmed by nursing staff who noted that the medication was not available and had not been administered. Documentation on the electronic medication administration record (EMAR) and progress notes indicated missed doses, with staff marking codes to indicate the medication was not available and noting communication with the pharmacy regarding the delay in delivery. The medication, Vancomycin, was not available for scheduled doses on multiple occasions, and staff confirmed that the missed doses were not given due to the unavailability of the medication. Nursing staff described their process for handling unavailable medications, which included checking the convenience box, contacting the pharmacy, and documenting the issue in the resident's records. However, there was no evidence that the physician was notified in all instances when the medication could not be obtained, as required by facility policy. The facility's Medication Administration Policy requires medications to be administered as ordered by the physician, and the MAR to be signed after administration, but the records showed that the IV antibiotics were not administered as scheduled for both residents due to medication unavailability.