Failure to Attempt Non-Pharmacological Interventions Before PRN Psychotropic Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide evidence that non-pharmacological interventions were attempted prior to administering PRN psychotropic medication to a resident. Specifically, the clinical record for a resident with diagnoses including dementia, GERD, and hypertension showed repeated administration of PRN Lorazepam for increased behaviors or anxiety over several months. Documentation revealed that, for the majority of these administrations, there was no record of non-pharmacological interventions being attempted before giving the medication. Additionally, upon request, the facility was unable to provide a policy regarding the use of non-pharmacological interventions prior to administering psychotropic medications. The Director of Nursing confirmed that there was a lack of evidence for such interventions before each administration of the PRN anti-anxiety medication. This deficiency was identified through review of medication administration records and staff interviews.