Misappropriation of Resident Medication by Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a registered nurse (RN) administered MiraLAX, a laxative prescribed to one resident, to another resident. The RN observed that one resident was missing their prescribed MiraLAX and, instead of waiting for the pharmacy to deliver a new supply, used another resident's medication. Both residents were cognitively intact and had physician orders for MiraLAX for constipation, but the medication was specifically prescribed to each individual. Facility policy defined misappropriation as the wrongful use of a resident's belongings or medication without consent and stated that residents have the right to be free from such misappropriation. The RN acknowledged during an interview that medications should not be shared between residents. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator both confirmed that staff are expected to reorder medications through the pharmacy and consult the provider if a medication is missing, rather than borrowing from another resident. The incident was identified through observation, record review, and staff interviews, confirming that the facility failed to protect a resident from the misappropriation of their medication.