Failure to Monitor for Adverse Side Effects of Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate monitoring for adverse side effects of psychotropic medications for two residents. One resident with an anxiety disorder was prescribed clonazepam, an antianxiety medication, but there was no documentation in the clinical record of monitoring for adverse side effects as required by facility policy. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that there was no order or documentation for monitoring, and staff acknowledged that such monitoring should have been in place. Another resident with a diagnosis of depression was prescribed and administered an antidepressant daily, but there was no evidence of monitoring for adverse side effects in the medication administration record or physician's orders. Staff interviews confirmed that monitoring for adverse side effects was expected to begin with the initial dose, but this was not documented or ordered. The lack of monitoring for both residents was contrary to the facility's policy on high-risk medication monitoring.