Failure to Provide Timely Pharmacy Services for Prescribed Medication
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Type 2 diabetes reported ongoing constipation and developed hemorrhoids with rectal bleeding. The resident stated that staff repeatedly indicated they would provide treatment, such as suppositories or cream, but no intervention was provided, resulting in continued discomfort and burning. Nursing documentation confirmed the presence of hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding. A physician ordered topical hydrocortisone cream (Preparation H) to be applied twice daily for the resident's hemorrhoids. However, the medication was not administered as prescribed on multiple occasions due to a delay in pharmacy delivery, as the cream was not a stock item at the facility. The DON confirmed the medication was unavailable during this period, resulting in the resident not receiving timely pharmaceutical services as required.