Diversion of Medication Remains a Concern in Most Nursing Homes.
Nursing homes must ensure there are policies,procedures, and practices that audit accountability of all nurses involved in medication administration, storage, and other use. Pharmacy policies will aid nursing in ensuring safe practices are maintained. Education is a pivotal point to ensure nurses
QAPI Perspective
Policy/Procedure: Policies and procedures need to be up-to-date and meet current guidelines for all medication administration requirements.
Training: Educate medication administration nursing staff to provide medications to residents according to physician orders. Additionally, teach them the five rights of medication pass (right medication,right person, right dose, right route, right time) and best practice guidelines.
Audit: Determine that shift-to-shift narcotics counts are recorded in the narcotic log and that the correct protocol is followed. MARS and TARS should be checked routinely for proper documentation of medication administration.
A former care attendant pleaded guilty to stealing medication from a client at an assisted living facility in Minnesota. The woman, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of theft. The Department of Health also investigated the incident and determined that financial exploitation occurred. A licensed practical nurse had noticed missing medication for three clients. Among the missing meds were 16 tablets of Ultram and Tramadol, which are pain medications known as opioid analgesics. Police interviewed several staff regarding the missing medications,and the care attendant admitted to taking them from the residents.
