Failure to Provide Timely Pharmaceutical Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that prescribed medications were made available and administered as ordered for a resident with a T11-T12 compression fracture. Clinical and pharmacy records showed that the resident was prescribed Lyrica 25 mg to be given three times daily, but three consecutive doses were missed because the medication was not delivered from the pharmacy in time. Nursing progress notes documented the unavailability of Lyrica throughout the day, and pharmacy delivery records confirmed the medication was not delivered until the following day. Additionally, there was no evidence in the clinical records that the physician was notified about the missed doses. Further review revealed that the resident was also prescribed Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen for back pain, but a scheduled dose was not administered on time due to unavailability, resulting in a delayed administration. The DON confirmed that both medications were not given as ordered because they were not available from the pharmacy. These findings demonstrate that the facility did not meet the requirement to provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident, as required by state regulations.