complaint·October 17, 2024

It was alleged that staff overmedicated a resident in care. LPAs Barutyan and Dulek conducted a medication review of five (5) residents on 09/04/2024 and observed all medications being given as prescribed. Medications are stored, documented, and administered in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22 and state and federal law. Interviews with the reporting party (RP) indicated concerns of medication dosages that were being administered to Resident #1 (R1) and medication-technicians administering painkillers that were “too strong.” Interviews with staff and ED Willis revealed that the painkillers were prescribed by R1’s physician and that the med-techs were administering the prescribed medications per the medication instructions on the Rx label, which is consistent with LPA observation during the medication audit. The RP also stated that R1 was “numbed and dazed” from the strength of the painkillers and that the med-techs should not have administered that strong of a dosage. Per regulation, med-techs do not need to be licensed medical professionals and therefore, cannot alter or prescribe medications. Medication review indicated that family of R1 provide over-the-counter nutrients, supplements, and medications like “fear spray” and “calming essential oils” which med-techs stated they do not know how to use as R1 cannot verbally or physically express if they are scared. ED Willis stated that they are worried that assuming how R1 is feeling and administering something that R1 cannot consent to is a violation of personal rights. LPAs Barutyan and Dulek did not observe any medication errors for five (5) residents reviewed on 09/04/2024 and for four (4) residents reviewed on 08/13/2024 by LPAs Barutyan and Emily Peraldi. LPA telephonically interviewed the co-complainant on 10/14/2024 who stated that the allegation was “inaccurate” and that they do not believe the staff are over-medicating. Co-complainant did not have any information to support the allegation. Based on interviews, medication review, and record review, the Department does not have sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation. Although the allegation may be valid, at this time there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation or that a violation occurred, therefore, the allegation “Staff overmedicate resident(s) in care” is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time.