complaint·November 14, 2024

Regarding the allegation: Staff mishandled a resident's medication. It is alleged that the medication technician staff do not distribute the residents’ medications in a timely fashion. It is also alleged that six (6) medications pills were disposed by a new nurse (name not given), one hour later. Seven (7) out of seven (7) staff interviewed deny this allegation. The medication is administered to the residents at the correct times, AM, Noon, evening, PM, and bedtime. The medication is given to the residents within one hour before or one hour after the initial times. It is also confirmed by the physicians whom subscribe the medications and dosages, the morning medications are given between the hours of 6am to 8am for residents requiring morning medication. Noon medication is given between 11am to 1pm, evening medication is given between 5pm to 7pm and this occurs throughout the day. Med-techs also monitor residents who require medication administration every four (4) to six (6) hours. The medication that is refused by the residents is logged in the electronic medications administration record (EMAR) the refused medication is then properly disposed. Refused medications cannot be administered at any other times. Protocols for administering medications are being followed as per Plan of Operation regarding medications: delivery procedures for medications, section B thru section H: facility policies and procedures regarding, new medication order for current residents, medication direction changes, PRN medications, residents refusing medications, charting of medications. Thirteen (13) out of Fourteen (14) residents interviewed stated they have gotten their medication daily and could not corroborate the allegations. Thirteen (13) residents stated, the med-techs speak to them while administering their medications and answer questions regarding their medication. Seven (7) out of fourteen (14) residents know the shape and size of their medications and are aware of the medications they are given. Based on interviews conducted, observations made, and documents reviewed, residents’ medication list, written physicians’ orders, facility Plan of Operations regarding medication administration. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was given to Ruth Villa, Wellness Director.