The medication errors noted on the survey, are mostly related to unable to get the medication. If you read the employee statements and chart notes, many times it's related to the family not sending the medication, repeated attempts to acquire medication from family noted on the survey. Even though the prescription bottle is mailed to the facility by the family, it still requires a written order from the physician in the patient chart. This is a MAJOR problem, after physician orders through a pharmacy, they would not send a duplicate prescription to the facility.
Per NC code, you must match the prescription bottle label to a written prescription by the physician, to the MARS, prior to administering. A three step process designed to prevent medication errors.
Seems simple, but try getting a physician on the phone to explain, yes I know you sent a prescription to the pharmacy, but the state of North Carolina requires you to send one to us, as well.
Facilities with veterans experience the same problem. The VA mail medication to the facility and it cannot be administered until a physician faxes a written order that matches the label on the prescription. I've seen these type facilities actually invest in sending a staff member with the client in order to capture the written prescription.
I'm certainly not defending this facility. I believe all facilities need to invest the time, and the money for qualified oversight, to ensure medications are not given prior to all required documentation.
Who suffers, the patient suffers.
Moo