Prescription/ Medication Errors in Nursing Homes

Medications administered to a nursing home resident may fall under the responsibility of various individuals and entities, including the prescribing physician, a pharmacy, registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Nursing home care managers are responsible for keeping accurate records on residents’ prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, keeping medications secured and administering them according to doctors’ orders. Certified nursing assistant (CNAs) may be responsible for monitoring residents and alerting nurses to problems.

Errors in administration of prescribed drugs in nursing home settings may involve scenarios such as:

• A doctor’s prescribing error, which an overseeing nurse fails to notice and seek correction for.
• A care manager’s failure to screen for allergies to medications.
• A nurse’s failure to monitor effects of medications — noticing signs of overmedication or negative drug interactions. .
• A nurses failure to observe signs of distress, overmedication or similar problems.
• A nurse’s accidental administration of wrong medications or wrong doses, or failure to administer medication on schedule.
• Abuse of medication by any responsible party through administration of drugs for the purpose of controlling residents rather than for any medical need.
• There have been a number of documented cases in which nursing home staff members have stolen residents’ painkillers. Although this is a criminal matter, it can also mean that the resident was not receiving or will not receive the intended medications, further complicating care plans.

Results of prescription and medication errors can range from minor reactions to serious endangerment of the well-being of a nursing home resident. If your loved one became seriously ill, had to be hospitalized, suffered permanent debilitation or died as a result of a prescription or medication error in a nursing home, talk to an attorney with knowledge of abuse and neglect cases. You and your family may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and/or loss of quality of life or loss of companionship.

If Your Loved One Was Harmed Through A Prescription Mistake In A Nursing Home, Get Answers Now | Contact A Chicago Lawyer

Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., in Illinois, has abundant experience bringing claims and lawsuits on behalf of nursing home residents who have suffered abuse and neglect. We do not charge for initial consultations. We welcome your inquiry. Call 877-930-2551 or send an email.