Failure to Ensure Timely Acquisition and Proper Administration of Controlled Pain Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services to ensure the timely acquisition and dispensing of a controlled medication, Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, for a resident with multiple diagnoses including chronic pain conditions and opioid dependence. The resident was admitted with a prescription for Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen to be given as needed for pain, but the medication supply was depleted on 12/03/2025. The process for reordering the medication was not properly followed, as the empty medication card was left on the Assistant Director of Nursing's desk without direct communication, and the responsible staff did not ensure the order was placed or received. During the period when the resident was without his prescribed pain medication, staff attempted to manage his pain by administering Tylenol, for which there was no physician order, and later by borrowing Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen from another resident, which is a violation of medication administration protocols. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the breakdown in communication and lack of clear responsibility for medication ordering led to the resident being without his PRN pain medication for several days. The resident's family became aware of the situation and expressed concern about neglect related to pain management. The resident ultimately required transfer to the hospital for pain management at the family's request. Documentation and interviews revealed that the facility's procedures for controlled substance administration and accountability were not followed, resulting in the resident not having access to his prescribed pain medication when needed. The failure to ensure the availability of the medication and the inappropriate borrowing of another resident's medication were directly observed and confirmed by staff and administrative personnel.