Lack of Staff Training for Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide staff training to address the behavioral health care needs of a resident with a substance use disorder. Clinical record review showed that the resident was cognitively intact and had a history of alcohol and substance abuse, including recent incidents of intoxication and possession of substances and paraphernalia within the facility. The resident's care plan included interventions for impaired coping and substance use, such as monitoring for intoxication, encouraging self-calming behaviors, and addressing incidents of substance use. Interviews with certified nursing assistants revealed that they had not received training on how to manage residents under the influence of drugs or alcohol and were unsure of the appropriate actions to take in such situations. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff had not been provided with education on handling substance abuse behaviors and that the facility lacked a policy to address resident substance abuse. These findings indicate a deficiency in ensuring staff competency and preparedness to meet the behavioral health needs of residents with substance use disorders.