Finding Description
Based on interview, record review, and review of other pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the medications were administered in accordance with the physician's order, facility's policy, and accepted professional standards of practice. This deficient practice was identified for 1 of 21 residents reviewed for medications (Resident #8).The deficient practice was evidenced by the following: Reference: New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 45, Chapter 11. Nursing Board. The Nurse Practice Act for the State of New Jersey states: The practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse is defined as performing tasks and responsibilities within the framework of case finding; reinforcing the patient and family teaching program through health teaching, health counseling, and provision of supportive and restorative care, under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed or otherwise legally authorized physician or dentist. Reference: New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 45, Chapter 11. Nursing Board. The Nurse Practice Act for the State of New Jersey states: The practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse is defined as performing tasks and responsibilities within the framework of case finding; reinforcing the patient and family teaching program through health teaching, health counseling and provision of supportive and restorative care, under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed or otherwise legally authorized physician or dentist. On 7/16/25 at 10:50 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #8 seated in a wheelchair with a leg rest and left leg immobilizer in use. The surveyor also observed an IV (intravenous) pole. The resident stated that they had an order for IV ABT (antibiotic) daily, on skilled nursing for their infected left surgery, and rehabilitation (rehab). The surveyor reviewed the medical records of Resident #8, and revealed the following: A review of the resident's Face Sheet (an admission summary) reflected that the resident was admitted to the facility with diagnoses (dx) that included but were not limited to; aftercare following explantation of knee joint prosthesis (in which surgical revision was performed. Explantation was carried out and a cement spacer was introduced), infection following procedure, other surgical site, unspecified osteoarthritis, essential hypertension (elevated blood pressure), and muscle weakness. A review of the most recent comprehensive Minimum Data Set (MDS), an assessment tool, with an assessment reference date (ARD) of 6/26/25, under Section C Cognitive Patterns revealed a brief interview for mental status (BIMS) score of 15 of 15, which reflected that the resident had intact cognition. Section J: Health Condition revealed that the resident had pain and was coded frequently. Section N: Medications included ABT, diuretic (water pill), opioid (controlled pain medication), and convulsive medications (meds). A review of the June 2025 electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) revealed the following: -A physician order (PO) with an order date of 6/20/25, oxycodone 5 mg (milligram) tablet (tab) oral as needed (PRN) every 8 hours (hrs), for moderate pain. The eMAR was electronically signed as administered: On 6/21/25 at 9:06 AM, by Registered Nurse #1 (RN#1).On 6/21/25 at 1:49 PM, by RN#1.On 6/22/25 at 6:00 PM, by RN#1. -A PO with an order date of 6/20/25, oxycodone 5 mg, 2 tablets (tabs) (total 10 mg) oral PRN every 8 hrs, for severe pain. The eMAR was electronically signed as administered: On 6/20/25 at 5:48 PM, by Licensed Practical Nurse #1 (LPN#1).On 6/21/25 at 5:54 AM, by LPN#2.On 6/22/25 at 5:17 AM, by RN#2.On 6/22/25 at 1:51 PM, by RN#1.On 6/22/25 at 3:00 PM, by RN#1.On 6/23/25 at 9:15 AM, by LPN#3. Further review of the above June 2025 eMAR revealed that the PO to administer oxycodone 5 mg tab PRN every 8 hrs for moderate pain was not followed on 6/21/25, when it was administered at 9:06 AM and then at 1:49 PM, which was 4 hrs apart. The PO to administer oxycodone 5 mg, give 2 tabs (total 10 mg) PRN every 8 hrs for severe pain was not followed on 6/22/25, when it was administered on 6/22/25 at 1:51 PM and 3:00 PM, which was an hour apart. A review of the Controlled Drug Administration Record (CDAR), also known as the declining sheet for controlled meds, with date received on 6/12/25, included information for oxycodone tab 10 mg, 30 tabs, and resident's name. The following were documented in the declining sheet from 6/20/25 to 6/23/25: -6/20/25 at 5:48 PM, signed by LPN#1.-6/21/25 at 5:54 AM, signed by LPN#2.-6/21/25 at 2:00 PM, signed by RN#1. The medication (med) was dropped and wasted with presence of another nurse.-6/22/25 at 5:17 AM, signed by RN#2.-6/22/25 at 2:00 PM, signed by RN#1.-6/22/25 at 6:00 PM, signed by RN#1. The med was dropped and was wasted with presence of another nurse. -6/22/25 at 10:30 PM, signed by RN#1.-6/23/25 at 9:15 AM, signed by LPN#3. Further review of the declining sheet for oxycodone 10 mg tab revealed that the CDAR was filled out by RN#1 on 6/22/25 at 10:30 PM, and there was no documented evidence that the eMAR was signed for the same date and time. There were no CDAR for 5 mg tab oxycodone. A review of the CP's EPIC (Electronic Pharmacist Information Consultant) review done by Consultant Pharmacist #1 (CP#1) on 6/24/25, revealed, there was no documented evidence that the above irregularities for oxycodone PRN was identified. On 7/17/25 at 11:09 AM, the surveyor notified the Director of Nursing (DON) of the above concerns and findings. The DON after reviewing the June 2025 eMAR, stated that there were no reports from CP#2 about the above concerns. The DON also stated that there were no reports from nurses and subacute unit that there were discrepancies with PRN oxycodone. She further stated that she was unaware of the med error until surveyor's inquiry. On that same date and time, the DON informed surveyor that RN#1 was a part time nurse, and no previous disciplinary action. The DON stated that it was considered a med error, and it will be investigated. The surveyor asked for the oxycodone reports from June 2025 to current, policies for med error, med administration, and controlled meds. On 7/17/25 at 12:10 PM, the surveyor interviewed Resident #8 inside their room. The resident informed the surveyor that when they returned to the facility in June 2025, after the surgery, they had terrible pain to the left surgical site and infection. The stated that pain was better now. The resident further stated that they were on oxycodone PRN, used to be every 8 hrs. The resident also stated that due to terrible pain, they were getting it even before 8 hrs, and eventually the order was changed to every 4 hrs PRN. At that same time, the resident stated that they went for a follow up ortho (orthopedic) consult last week, 7/10/25, and the stitches were removed. The resident further stated that they were still on NWB (no weight bearing) status to the left foot. On 7/17/25 at 12:20 PM, the surveyor interviewed LPN#3, who informed the surveyor that Resident #8 was cognitively intact, on IV ABT, rehab, and pain management. LPN#3 stated that the resident's pain was getting better. The surveyor asked LPN#3 about the PRN oxycodone, and she stated that the nurse should follow the order. She further stated, if the med will be administered beyond the required time, the physician should have been notified, and the physician will order for stat (immediate) order. LPN#3 also stated that the nurse should document in the progress notes (PN). At that same time, the surveyor and LPN#3 reviewed the CDAR for oxycodone 10 mg. LPN#3 informed the surveyor that there were no CDAR for oxycodone 5 mg since the resident was admitted and up to this time, it had been oxycodone 10 mg. On 7/22/25 at 8:43 AM, the DON informed the surveyor that as soon as the surveyor notified the DON of the above concerns, she investigated (after 27 days) the med error with PRN oxycodone of Resident #8. The DON stated that she spoke to the RN/Unit Manager (RN/UM) and found out that the RN/UM was unaware of the above findings and concerns, and that there was no report about it. The DON further stated that she reviewed the resident's notes and assessments of the resident, found no ill effects from the med error. She also reached out to the physician and notified the med error; the physician documented that resident continued on pain management and no ill effects. On that same date and time, the DON informed the surveyor that after the investigation of the med error, RN#1 was suspended pending investigation, and eventually terminated. The DON stated that RN#1 was unable for interview. On 7/22/25 at 11:34 AM, the surveyor interviewed CP#2, who stated that she was responsible for monthly MRR (medication record review) of residents, review declining sheets for controlled meds, the eMAR, and compared them with the PO. CP#2 stated that the orders should be followed, and the order should be clarified if we had 10 mg order for oxycodone and there was an available 10 mg tab, the order should be clarified to prevent confusion. CP#2 acknowledged the med error for above findings and concerns. She also stated that CP#1 was unable for an interview. She further stated that she was unaware of the med error report. On 7/22/25 at 12:57 PM, the survey team met with the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and DON. The surveyor notified the LNHA and DON of the above findings and concerns regarding Resident#8's PRN oxycodone med error. A review of the facility's Medication Errors Policy with a revised date of 1/23/25, that was provided by the DON, revealed under policy, a medication error must immediately be reported to the resident's physician and Medication Error Form (MEF), must be initiated by the nurse discovering the error. The type of error and cause of error must be indicated on the MEF. A copy of the MEF is to be sent to the pharmacy within 24 hours .Medication Errors are categorized as follows:Medication OmissionWrong doseExtra dose Wrong Dosage form/route Wrong timeIncomplete Documentation. On 7/24/25 at 12:10 PM, there was no additional information provided by the LNHA and DON. NJAC 8:39-11.2(b); 27.1 (a); 29.2(d)