Failure to Administer Medications as Prescribed
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer medications as prescribed by physicians for two residents. For one resident with chronic pain, COPD, and diabetes, there was a lapse in the administration of scheduled Hydromorphone for pain management. The resident reported not receiving the medication for approximately 20 hours, receiving only an alternative medication that was not effective. Documentation showed multiple missed doses, and staff interviews confirmed that the medication was not ordered in time, compounded by delayed delivery due to bad weather. The medication administration record indicated missed doses, and progress notes reflected that staff had to contact hospice for a new supply after the medication ran out. For another resident with asthma, COPD, and other chronic lung disease, a provider ordered new medications, including an antibiotic, corticosteroid, and inhaler, due to ongoing respiratory symptoms. However, these medications were not started over the weekend as ordered, and administration only began several days later. Staff interviews confirmed that the delay was due to a failure to order the medications in a timely manner. Facility policy requires medications to be administered safely, timely, and as prescribed, but this was not followed in these cases.