CMS Survey & Cert Memo– Guidance related to Medication Errors and Pharmacy Services

A recent CMS Survey & Cert Memo contains clarification on three specific topics related to medication errors and pharmacy services:  (1) Medication Errors:  Potential medication errors related to medication administration via feeding tube and administration timing for metered dose inhalers and proton pump inhibitors and survey implications; (2) Medication Administration Practices:  The practice of “borrowing” medications and issues related to diversion, control, reconciliation and disposal of medications, including fentanyl patches; (3) Medication Regimen Reviews for Stays under 30 days and/or Changes in Condition:  The need for pharmacist medication regimen reviews when a resident experiences a change in condition and/or for residents admitted for less than 30 days. The memo can be accessed in the Members Only section of the IHCA website.