Failure to Inform Resident of Medication Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to inform a resident or the resident's representative about the risks, benefits, and alternative treatments associated with the use of lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication. A physician's order was present for lorazepam to be administered as needed for anxiety, sleeplessness, seizure activity, or shortness of breath, but there was no documentation in the clinical record indicating that the required information was provided to the resident or their representative. Staff interviews confirmed that such information should be communicated, including details about targeted behaviors, side effects, and alternative treatments, but this was not done in this case. The facility's own policy states that residents have the right to be fully informed in advance about care and treatment, but this was not followed for the resident in question.