Failure to Follow Physician Orders in Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities

When Facilities Ignore Physician Orders

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Nursing facilities (and in some instances, assisted living facilities) serve as the eyes and ears of a resident's physician. They are responsible for communicating changes in condition, complying with physician orders, documenting interventions, and reporting results. When a doctor prescribes medication, diagnostic testing, or a course of treatment, it is the facility’s legal duty to follow through. Failure to comply with these orders can delay treatment, worsen a condition, or cause life-threatening harm.

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Common Failures Involving Physician Orders

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Facilities may commit negligence by:

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• Failing to administer prescribed medications

• Skipping diagnostic testing or lab work

• Ignoring orders to discontinue medications

• Failing to implement diet, hydration, or therapy protocols

• Not documenting compliance or resident responses

• Failing to notify the physician when the resident’s condition changes

Even a single lapse can lead to cascading consequences for residents with complex medical needs.

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Causation Is Key

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Not every missed physician order leads to liability. To pursue an abuse or neglect claim in Florida, there must be a clear connection between the failure and an actual injury. If the missed order led to an infection, a fall, uncontrolled symptoms, hospitalization, or death, then legal action may be appropriate. At FIDJ, we investigate the timeline, charting, and staff conduct to determine whether the facility's failure caused harm.

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Contact FIDJ for a Free Case Review

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If your loved one was harmed because a nursing home or assisted living facility failed to follow physician's orders, contact the experienced attorneys at FIDJ for a FREE case review.