A nursing home resident in Louisiana was arrested on August 23 after allegedly attempting to smoke crack cocaine in his room. Police were called to the facility following a report from management about narcotics found in a resident’s room.
Upon arrival, police were informed that a nurse had witnessed the resident using a crack pipe. The nurse reported that while attending to another resident in the same room, she saw the resident attempting to light a brown crack pipe. When questioned, the resident fled the room.
The nurse subsequently discovered the crack pipe and a small amount of crack cocaine on the resident’s nightstand. She reported the findings to management, who then contacted the police.
During their investigation, police interviewed the resident, who admitted to possessing the crack cocaine and acknowledged his addiction. The narcotics were confiscated, and the resident was arrested and taken to jail.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Quality of care is a fundamental principle that applies to all treatment and care provided to facility residents. Based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that residents receive treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice, the comprehensive person-centered care plan, and the residents’ choices. If there is a history of substance use disorders (SUD), the resident’s comprehensive care plan should contain interventions, if appropriate, to prevent substance use in the facility as well as interventions for when substance use is suspected or identified. Facility staff should implement care plan interventions which should include increased monitoring and supervision of the resident, increased supervision of visitors, and notification of the resident’s physician or non-physician practitioner. For example, a resident displays changes in behavior or unexplained lethargy after his or her visitors leave or other residents report observing the use of substances. When substance use is suspected (in the facility or upon return from an absence from the facility), which could lead to overdose, facility staff should immediately implement the care plan interventions.
Discussion Points
- Review and update your policies and procedures related to SUD, quality of care, and care plan interventions. Ensure these policies include clear guidelines for responding to the discovery or witnessing of drug use, including when and how to contact law enforcement.
- Provide comprehensive education on SUD for all staff, including how to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Educate staff on the importance of timely intervention, including assessing situations involving suspected drug use, notifying the appropriate medical and administrative personnel, and contacting the police if drug use is witnessed or discovered.
- Conduct periodic audits to ensure that residents with SUD are receiving appropriate interventions and monitoring. Verify that staff are adhering to reporting procedures and are aware of how to report concerns to their supervisor, compliance officer, or via the anonymous hotline.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
