Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff do not distribute residents' medications as prescribed.

The details of the complaint alleged client #1(C1) is not receiving medications as prescribed. The complainant reported (C1) is supposed to have medications between 5:00 am – 6:00 am daily, however, the staff does not distribute (C1’s) medications until 6:00 am – 7:00 am. The complainant reported that (C1) wakes up at 2:00 am with a headache and is not given Excedrin for pain even when (C1’s) has doctor's approval to distribute it to (C1).

In an interview with client #1 (C1) stated that (C1) is new at this facility and formally lived with a family member in a private home. (C1) reported that (C1) managed the prescription medications. (C1) stated that no family member assisted with the distribution of medications including the pain reliever Excedrin at 2:00 am. When (C1) was admitted to this group home on 05/24/ 23, (C1) has not missed any of the prescribed medications, but (C1) no longer manages own medications as (C1) used to. (C1) is now assisted by staff and (C1’s) meds are distributed at 7 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm daily. According to the physician order for (C1), (C1) is prescribed nine (9) medications that did not include Excedrin dated 05/01/2023. A review of clients #1-#3(C1-C3) Medication Administration Records for May and June 2023 revealed to be accurate and maintained in order. There has been no medication missed by (C1), as verified in the (MAR). The South-Central Los Angeles Center (SCLAR) service coordinators witnesses #1 -#3 (W1-W3) had no issues or concerns with the care and supervision of their consumers. (W1) verified that (C1) is adjusting to living in a group home rather than a private residence and being independent without any set rules. (W1) said that (C1) was used to taking Excedrin even when it wasn't prescribed by (C1's) primary physician. The pain reliever Excedrin's common side effect can cause increase seizures in which (C1) is diagnosed with a seizure disorder. Interviews conducted with staff #1-#2 (S1-S2) verified that staff have completed Direct Support Professional (DSP) on how to assist individuals in the self-administration of medication training. (S1-S2) claimed they were unaware that (C1) had any issues with the distribution of medications. Interviews conducted with (C2-C3) who were present at the facility were unable to hold a conversation as a result of their disability. Based on the information gathered, there is no sufficient evidence to support the allegation mentioned above.