Psychotropic Medication Administered Without Consent
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including atrial fibrillation, dementia with mood disturbance, anxiety, muscle weakness, and cognitive communication deficit was admitted to the facility. The resident had a BIMS score indicating moderate cognitive impairment. An order for Bupropion HCL Extended Release was written for anxiety, and the medication was administered to the resident over three days. The clinical record did not show that consent was obtained from the resident or their representative prior to starting the medication. On the third day of administration, the resident's representative declined informed consent for the psychotropic medication, after which the medication was discontinued. Interviews with the resident's representative, an RN, the Clinical Resource, and the DON confirmed that the medication was given without proper consent, which was against the family's wishes and contrary to facility policy. The facility's policy stated that residents have the right to decline treatment with psychotropic medications.