Lack of Informed Consent for IM Haldol Use in Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure residents and/or their responsible parties were informed of the risks of antipsychotic (Haldol) use prior to administration. For one resident with muscle wasting, difficulty walking, chronic venous hypertension with ulcers, CHF, and moderate cognitive impairment, behavior notes documented episodes of severe agitation, paranoia, physical and verbal aggression, refusal of oral medications, and rejection of care. In response, an NP ordered a one-time IM dose of Haldol, and later that same day a physician ordered a second one-time IM dose after the resident again became severely agitated and refused oral medications, including PRN Ativan. The resident’s son was notified of the orders and was present during some of the episodes, but there was no documentation that the risks of Haldol use were discussed with either the resident or her son. Subsequent documentation for this same resident showed continued severe paranoia, delusions, refusal of medications and care, and combative behavior, leading to additional IM Haldol administrations. Notes indicated that attempts had been made to initiate oral antipsychotic medication but were unsuccessful due to refusals, and that non-pharmacological interventions were not effective. The facility informed the family that there were no other interventions staff could initiate in the nursing setting and that the resident would benefit from transfer to a geriatric psych facility. Despite multiple Haldol injections and ongoing communication with the family about the resident’s condition and care needs, the corporate nurse later verified there was no documentation that the risks of Haldol had been discussed with the resident or her son. For a second resident with diagnoses including a left humerus fracture, metabolic encephalopathy, abnormal gait and mobility, history of falls, heart disease, and parkinsonism, the care plan identified risk for complications related to psychoactive medication use. The resident had intact cognition and required assistance with ADLs. Behavior notes documented episodes of paranoia, belligerence, attempts to crawl out of bed, physical aggression toward staff, refusal of PO medications, and belief of being held without permission, leading an NP to order IM Haldol on two separate occasions for safety after nonpharmacological measures were ineffective. A grievance was later filed by the family regarding the use of IM Haldol for an acute change in behavior, and an informed consent form for Trazodone was signed by the resident’s wife with potential side effects reviewed. However, there was no documentation that Haldol side effects or risks were discussed with the wife prior to either IM Haldol administration, and the corporate nurse confirmed the absence of such documentation.
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