Failure to Provide Timely Medication on Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide prescribed medications to a newly admitted resident with multiple medical conditions, including aftercare following joint replacement surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with acute exacerbation, and osteoarthritis. The resident was admitted with physician orders for several medications, including Apixaban for anticoagulation, Doxycycline for infection, and two pain medications (Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen and Tramadol). According to the Medication Administration Record, none of these medications were administered on the evening of admission. Interviews with staff revealed that the medications did not arrive at the facility until late, and only certain staff had access to the Medication Distribution Machine. The resident reported not receiving pain medication on the evening of admission, resulting in significant pain and poor sleep. The Director of Nursing confirmed that medications should be administered on time for new admissions and that staff have access to the medication machine. The facility's policy requires medications to be administered according to physician orders, including at the right time.