complaint·January 10, 2025

break. LPA spoke with the Director of Memory Care who assisted auditing the medication cart. LPA observed as a sample of 6 residents' medications were counted to ensure that all were accounted for and logged properly. As part of this investigation, this LPA conducted interviews with 4 carestaff: S1 - S4. Each stated the med techs administered medications properly in a timely fashion. S4 stated that, "the med techs are always responsive. Our residents can't always speak up for themselves to tell us they are in pain so sometimes they act out and whether it is because they are in pain, or are agitated, the med techs always come right away." This LPA also reviewed the Electronic Medication Record (EMAR) for the month of December for 6 residents in memory care. The reporting party alleged that med techs were inputting that medications were being given that were not. Through the medication cart audit and review of the EMAR, this LPA found no evidence the EMAR being falsified. All were in compliance at the time of this inspection. Based on interviews with staff, a record review of the EMAR and Controlled Substance Log, as well as the audit of the medication cart, a preponderance for the standard of evidence was not met and the department found the allegations: Facility staff are not dispensing medications as prescribed, Facility staff are falsifying resident records, UNFOUNDED. A finding of unfounded means that the allegation is false, could not have happened or is without a reasonable basis. While reviewing the EMAR, this LPA observed a statement to describe why a resident did not receive their medication, "Physically unable to take." Each occurrence was investigated. Residents were not administered medications if they had loose stools and the medication would worsen conditions. Medications were not administered it the resident was out of the facility. A medication was not administered due to a resident being unable to swallow. This notation was also used if the facility was waiting for a script to be refilled. This LPA provided technical assistance in this area and the ED has stated that they will be putting a new process in place to address this issue and new terminology and/or additional notes would be included in the future. According to the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, no deficiencies were observed or cited during today's visit. A copy of this report was provided. Exit interview.