Facility Evaluation Report

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Esther Miller cited deficiencies discovered during an unrelated complaint

visit. LPA was granted entry after identifying herself by Linda Rucker, Licensee, with whom she discussed the purpose of the visit.

During today's visit, LPA observed prepoured medication on a shelf in the kitchen. Licensee explained that volunteer Valma Nigro, who has medication training, came to the facility every two days to prepour client's medication into small, clear, plastic containers. Volunteer signed each cup with her initials after prepouring the medication. Volunteer would leave the medication and containers in a locked room at the back of the facility. Staff would retrieve the medication around the time it was prescribed to be given. During today's visit, LPA observed staff leave the medication on a shelf until it was time for client to take the medication. Shelf was about five feet off the ground and readily accessible to clients.

Once medication was given, staff and Licensee stated that staff would sign the Medication Administration Record. Licensee stated that medication was given this way to ensure that clients did not miss any doses due to caregiver error. Licensee stated she was given permission by San Diego Regional Center in 2007 to prepour medication up to two days in advance.

Pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, deficiency is being cited on the attached