Physician Failure to Timely Review and Sign Medication Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that physicians reviewed residents' total programs of care and signed medication and treatment orders at each required visit for two residents. For one newly admitted resident, the physician completed the required 30-day visits and signed admission and medication orders at the first three visits, but during the third required 30-day visit, there was no evidence that the medication orders were signed. This lapse was confirmed by the Director of Nursing (DON) during an interview. For another resident, the last set of physician orders was signed and valid for 60 days, but at the subsequent physician visit, there was no evidence that the medication orders were reviewed and signed. The orders were due for renewal, including a 10-day grace period, but as of the survey date, they were six days overdue. The DON confirmed that the orders had not been signed during the last physician visit and were overdue at the time of the survey.