1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32 | The facility collaborates with pharmacies, including Omnicare, which is offered to residents at no additional charge. Omnicare typically delivers medications on time, and if the resident opts not to use this service, staff coordinate with other pharmacies. For residents who use Kaiser as their pharmacy, the AD explained that while there are occasional delays, staff take extra steps to ensure the medication is obtained, even dispatching a driver to pick it up as a last resort. However, this is only done in emergencies, such as an evacuation situation, and is not a regular service offered by the facility.
Staff S1 reported that when a resident is down to a seven-day supply of medication, staff make contact to the pharmacy for refills and, if necessary, contact the prescribing physician. Staff S3 and S4 provided similar accounts, confirming that medications are ordered well in advance—often when there are 7 to 10 days remaining in a resident's supply. Staff S4 emphasized that medications are ordered as early as possible to prevent shortages and that any delays are typically due to issues on the pharmacy's end, not from staff failing to place orders on time. In cases where a pharmacy does not have a medication in stock, staff take immediate action to contact the doctor and arrange for an alternative solution.
S5 further confirmed that the facility has procedures in place to reorder medications well before supplies run out. She explained that when a medication supply reaches 7 days, staff confirm whether additional medication is available, and if not, an order is promptly placed. Additionally, Staff S5 outlined the steps taken when a medication is out of stock, including notifying the resident’s doctor, the responsible party, and coordinating with pharmacies to expedite the delivery.
A review of the facility’s medication ordering forms also supports the finding that the facility follows appropriate procedures. The Omnicare Refill Order Form requires staff to place orders at least five days before medication runs out, or 10 business days for Schedule II Narcotics. The facility’s own Medication Refill/New Order Roster is used less frequently but also includes clear instructions for tracking orders and deliveries.
While there have been occasional delays in receiving medications from certain pharmacies, the evidence gathered from interviews and records indicates that staff follow a structured and timely process for ordering medications. Therefore, the complaint alleging that staff are not ordering resident medications in a timely manner is UNSUBSTANTIATED. An unsubstantiated finding means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. No deficiencies are being cited based on today's visit.
Exit interview was conducted with Kaushik Sharma (in person) and Carley Taylor (via phone) to discuss the report. A copy of this report and appeal rights were provided.
{2 of 2} |