Unmonitored Self-Administration of Topical Medications Without Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident’s drug regimen was free from unnecessary drugs by not providing adequate monitoring, indication for use, or physician orders for multiple medications. A resident admitted with hemiplegia in May 2024 had a self-medication administration evaluation dated 11/13/25 indicating they were not appropriate to self-administer any medications. During an observation on 3/19/26, an RN case manager found an open tube of anti-itch cream, hydrocortisone cream, and a medicated pain roll-on (DMSO) in the resident’s bedside table drawer. Record review showed no physician orders, no documented indication for use, and no monitoring for these medications. The RN case manager confirmed the resident did not have orders for the anti-itch cream, hydrocortisone cream, or DMSO, and that staff did not administer or monitor these medications. The resident stated they self-administered the medications found in their room, despite the prior evaluation determining they were not appropriate to self-administer any medications.
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