F-Tag Library On-Demand Series-F759 Residents are Free of Medication Error Rates 5% or More

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This presentation addresses F759, focusing on maintaining medication error rates below 5% in long-term care facilities per Appendix PP of the SOM guidelines. Medication errors, identified through observation, documentation, and interviews, include incorrect preparation, administration timing, crushing forbidden medications, and improper fluid intake with meds. Surveyors assess specific practices such as shaking suspensions, crushing meds only when appropriate, flushing feeding tubes between medications, and correct administration of eye drops, inhalers, and sublingual meds.<br /><br />Facilities must ensure resident safety by understanding medication orders, observing administration with attention to infection control, and following manufacturer and prescriber instructions. Errors like omitted doses, wrong timing, or wrong route can result in citations. Staff should be prepared for survey observations and understand processes to minimize errors.<br /><br />To regain and maintain compliance, leadership must conduct root cause analyses, update policies in line with regulatory and clinical guidelines, educate and verify staff competency, and implement systemic changes beyond education alone. Plans of correction (POCs) should address each affected and potential resident, include corrective actions and systemic changes, and establish specific monitoring plans with frequency and responsible personnel. Regular audits, use of long-term care pathways, and ongoing staff training on medication safety and documentation are vital. Additional APACN resources support facilities in achieving and sustaining compliance with F759.

Keywords

F759

medication error rates

long-term care facilities

Appendix PP SOM guidelines

medication administration

surveyor assessment

root cause analysis

plans of correction