Medication Errors

The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention defines a medication error, in part, as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the healthcare professional, patient, or consumer.” Generally, medication errors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities occur in the following circumstances:

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1. Administering the wrong medication.

2. Administering the wrong dosage.

3. Administering the medication at incorrect frequencies.

4. Failing to administer medications (e.g., missed dosages).

5. Administering medications to the wrong resident.

6. Failing to comply with medication administration protocols (e.g., to be taken with food, to be taken at night, to be taken upon the occurrence of specified occurrences).

7. Failing to properly document medication administration.

8. Failing to report signs and symptoms of adverse reactions to prescribed medications.

It is important to note, however, that for a medication error to constitute abuse and/or neglect, the error must have caused injury to your loved one. Therefore, if you believe your loved one was injured by a medication error at a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the experienced attorneys at FIDJ, before it’s too late.

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*The information contained herein is not, and must not be construed as medical advice.