PRN Psychotropic Medication Orders Lacked Required Stop Dates
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that as needed (PRN) psychotropic medication orders for four out of five residents reviewed included a required stop date or duration. Specifically, physician orders for lorazepam prescribed for anxiety, restlessness, or agitation for these residents were found to have start dates but lacked any indication of a stop date or specified duration. This omission was identified through record review and confirmed in an interview with the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged that PRN psychotropic medications should have a stop date. The facility's own policy requires that PRN orders for psychotropic medications be limited to no more than 14 days unless the attending physician documents the appropriateness of extending the order and specifies a duration.