Failure to Obtain Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents were fully informed and provided consent prior to the administration of psychotropic medications. For one resident with Parkinson's disease, malnutrition, and anxiety, who was severely cognitively impaired and had a family member designated as decision-maker, mirtazapine was prescribed and administered to stimulate appetite. However, there was no documentation that consent describing the risks and benefits of the medication was obtained at the time it was prescribed. For another resident diagnosed with depression and receiving psychotropic medications, escitalopram and mirtazapine were prescribed and an informed consent form was signed two days after the medications were started. Additionally, Wellbutrin was later prescribed and administered without any documentation of informed consent, either verbal or written, prior to the resident receiving the medication. Staff interviews confirmed that informed consent should have been obtained before administration of these medications.