Failure to Obtain Informed Consent for Antipsychotic Medication
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to obtain informed consent for the use of an antipsychotic medication for one resident. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia with psychotic disturbance, anxiety, and depression, was prescribed risperidone following a hospital stay. The clinical record did not contain documentation that the resident or the resident's representative was informed about the risks, benefits, treatment alternatives, or the option to choose the preferred treatment related to the antipsychotic medication. Interviews revealed that the resident's family and Power of Attorney were not informed of the medication changes or provided with information about black box warnings or the risks and benefits of the new medication regimen after the resident returned from the hospital. The facility's policy required that consent be obtained and that the resident or responsible party be educated on these aspects, but this was not completed as required.