Complaint Investigation Report

Regarding the allegation: Resident is not receiving medications as prescribed. It is alleged that the Resident #1 (R1) has not been receiving their medication, and did not receive the medication as requested by R1, at night for pain. It is alleged that the pain medication wasn’t given until the next morning. At the time of the investigation, R1 was no longer at the facility, and was not interviewed. It is not known which was the night that the R1 needed the medication. As such, the LPA was unable to audit R1’s medications, as they were provided to R1 upon departure. To investigate this allegation, LPA Urena interviewed ten residents and two staff members. Interviews revealed that residents did receive their medications either in the morning before meals or with meals during lunch time, depending on the doctor’s orders. The residents stated that their medication comes in bubble packs from the pharmacy, and that the medical technician (med tech) removes the medication and places the medication in small white cups. The LPA interviewed Staff #1(S) about medication distribution to residents. The S1 stated that residents recieve their medication in the morning before breakfast if the medication is to be taken on an empty stomach, and after breakfast or lunch if medication is to be taken with food. The LPA requested an audit of the medication for the ten residents interviewed. Audit was compared to the Centrally Stored Medication. The audit revealed that according to the prescription date on the bottle/bubble, number of pills prescribed, and pills remaining in the bubbles, the medication is being administered according to doctors’ orders.

Based on the information obtained, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that Resident is not receiving medications as prescribed. This allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

Regarding the allegation: Staff do not properly report incidents involving a resident. It is alleged that the staff are not making reports to the appropriate agencies such as North Los Angeles Regional Center (NLARC) when changes happen with residents. To investigate this allegation, LPA Urena interviewed ten residents and two staff members. Residents records review revealed that staff had sent to NLARC a report for R1 dated 9/17/2021. Additional reports sent by staff to NLARC were available for for review. Residents’ interviews revealed that they are not aware of the reports made by the facility staff to the supporting agencies. Staff interviews revealed that administrative staff makes reports as needed to the supporting agencies, and the medical technicians communicate with physicians’ offices for medication needs. Staff #1(S1) stated that they communicate with doctor’s office when medications prescriptions have expired, and any questions about their medications or if resident refuses to take medication as prescribed. Based on the information obtained, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that Staff do not properly report incidents involving a resident. This allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.