Inspection Findings:
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents were comprehensively assessed for the use of psychotropic medications and failed to ensure GDR (gradual dose reduction) was attempted for 1 of 5 sampled residents (# 36) reviewed for medications. This placed residents at risk for receiving unnecessary medications. Findings include:
Resident 36 was admitted to the facility in 7/2023 with diagnoses including major depressive disorder.
Resident 36's 7/24/23 Admission MDS revealed the resident used an antidepressant medication to treat her/his depression, had no behaviors and scored 0 on the PHQ-9 assessment (used to detect the presence and severity of depression; high score indicates symptoms of depression). The MDS Psychotropic Drug Use CAA indicated the facility worked in "concert" with the resident's physician and the pharmacy consultant to attempt a GDR of the antidepressant medications when appropriate.
Resident 36's 1/17/24 Quarterly MDS revealed the resident used an antidepressant, had no behaviors and scored 0 on the PHQ-9 assessment.
Resident 36's 7/2023, 8/2023, 9/2023, 10/2023, 11/2023, 12/2023, 1/2024 and 2/2024 Physician Orders included duloxetine (antidepressant) 30 mg, take 90 mg every day for major depressive disorder.
Resident 36's 7/2023, 8/2023, 9/2023, 10/2023, 11/2023, 12/2023, 1/2024 and 2/2024 MARs revealed the resident received duloxetine 90 mg daily.
Review of Resident 36's health record revealed no behavior monitor flowsheet to track potential signs and symptoms of depression such as tearfulness, sadness, mood changes, increased fatigue, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities and sleep disturbances.
Resident 36's 7/28/23 Care Plan identified the resident used an antidepressant. The interventions included to monitor for effectiveness via monthly review with the facility's pharmacy consultant.
Resident 36's 10/2023, 11/2023, 12/2023 and 1/2024 Psychotropic Drug and Behavior Monthly Review revealed Staff 24 (Pharmacist), Staff 23 (Executive Director), Staff 2 (DNS), Staff 8 (MDS Coordinator) and Staff 5 (Social Services Director) were present at the meetings. The Reviews revealed Resident 36 was prescribed duloxetine 90 mg daily for major depressive disorder.
The 10/2023, 11/2023, 12/2023 and 1/2024 Psychotropic Drug and Behavior Monthly Reviews, sections titled, "Describe how medication is assisting the resident in reaching highest functional level" revealed the following documentation:
- "The medications are assisting the resident to not be teary and isolate in bed or be depressed. Resident is spending more time up in [her/his] chair and visiting and smiling."
The 10/2023, 11/2023, 12/2023 and 1/2024 Psychotropic Drug and Behavior Monthly Reviews, sections titled, "Target Behaviors summary/trend since last review" revealed the following documentation:
- "None."
The 10/2023, 11/2023, 12/2023 and 1/2024 Psychotropic Drug and Behavior Monthly Reviews, sections titled, "Non drug interventions" revealed the following documentation:
- "Reposition, redirection, breathing techniques, relaxation techniques and medication."
The 10/2023, 11/2023, 12/2023 and 1/2024 Reviews, sections titled, "Team recommendations" revealed the following documentation:
- "The medications are assisting the resident to not be teary and isolate in bed or be depressed. Resident is spending more time up in [her/his] chair and visiting and smiling. Team recommends no changes at this time."
No other documentation was found in Resident 36's health record or within the Reviews to indicate the resident participated in the medication review process and communicated potential changes in her/his depression symptoms. No evidence was found to indicate the resident was comprehensively assessed with a person-centered approach and adequately monitored and evaluated for therapeutic response to the antidepressant medication. The Reviews revealed no previous or new targeted behaviors and lacked unique, person-centered non-pharmacological interventions for Resident 36's depression. The Reviews lacked rationale to support the current dose and duration of duloxetine and lacked documentation a GDR was attempted or contraindicated.
On 2/8/24 at 1:37 PM Staff 2 (DNS) and Staff 20 (Divisional Director of Clinical Operations) were notified of the findings of this investigation. Staff 2 reviewed Resident 36's Psychotropic Drug and Behavior Monthly Reviews, acknowledged the Reviews were not comprehensive, the resident was not assessed with a person-centered approach and a GDR was not documented as attempted or contraindicated.
Plan of Correction:
F 758 Free from Unnecessary Psychotropic Meds / PRN Use.
CFR(s): 483.45(c)(3)(e)(1)-(5)
Resident Specific:
The identified residents issue was resolved: DNS ensured per GDR via pharmacy recommendation issued in the month of February 2024, when the antidepressant dose was reduced.
Other Residents:
Residents in this facility receiving antidepressant medications have the potential to be affected.
Facility Systems:
Education was provided to licensed nursing staff and IDT members on psychotropic drugs (including antidepressants) and the psychotropic IDT review guidelines. An initial antidepressant medication audit will be completed by March 1, 2024.
Monitor:
The DNS and/or designee will complete psychotropic drug and behavior monthly reviews each month to ensure that the reviews are comprehensive with a person-centered approach. The DNS or designee will perform audits monthly to ensure that the documentation supports a gradual dose reduction or if it is contraindicated. This will include monthly monitoring of documented behaviors and inclusion of resident feedback and participation in psychotropic reviews until substantial compliance has been met and maintained.
Any concerns identified will be addressed immediately, additional education provided and counseling if appropriate. Monitoring results will be presented by the DNS and/or designee at the monthly Performance Improvement meeting. Monitoring results and system components will be reviewed by the Performance Improvement Team for 3 months and periodically thereafter, with subsequent recommendations developed and implemented as deemed necessary.
Date of Compliance: March 15th 2024
Person Responsible: Director of Nursing and/or designee.