INITIAL COMMENTS
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This report is a result of an on-site recovery house complaint investigation conducted on April 17, 2026, through June 1, 2026, by staff from the Bureau of Program Licensure. Based on the findings of the on-site complaint investigation, Riverview Wellness was found not to be in compliance with the applicable chapters of 28 PA Code, Chapter 717, which pertains to the recovery house.
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Plan of Correction
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§ 717.24 LICENSURE Medication control and self-administration
§ 717.24. Medication control and self-administration. The licensee shall develop and implement written policies and procedures on the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications by residents, which must include:
(1) Self-administration of medication for residents who take medication.
(2) Safe storage of medication by the drug and alcohol recovery house and residents and procedures to address loss, theft, abandonment or misuse of medications. The policy must provide that controlled substances stored at the drug and alcohol recovery house will be kept in a locked container.
(3) Safe disposal of unused, expired or abandoned medication, in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
(4) Emergency procedures if an adverse medication reaction or overdose occurs on premises. The licensee shall have and make available overdose reversal medication on the premises of the drug and alcohol recovery house at all times.
(5) Prohibition on sharing prescription medication.
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Observations
Based on an onsite observation of medication administration, staff interviews and resident interviews it was determined staff failed to follow the written policies and procedures to ensure:
1) Self- administration of medication for residents who take medication.
2) Safe storage of medication by the drug and alcohol recovery house and residents and procedures to address loss, theft, abandonment or misuse of medications. The policy must provide that controlled substances stored at the drug and alcohol recovery house will be kept in a locked container.
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Plan of Correction
All clients at Wellness Riverview Village will self-administer their own medications and all controlled substances will be kept in locked containers as outlined in Gaudenzia's Policy and Procedures manual and DDAP regulations. To ensure this requirement is met, it will be reviewed with all appropriate staff members in a documented in-service training by 7/18/26. This training will include a detailed review of the standard; all relevant Gaudenzia policies; a new medication self-administration procedure and how to request assistance when needed. A meeting will be held with the clients to inform them of the new procedures and lock boxes by 7/18.26. An order for lock boxes for residents to store their medications has been placed. Once received, each resident will be provided a lock box and key and be required to keep all medications secured in the lock box held in a locked medication room identified by room number and client. All residents request their medications as prescribed by their physician, Gaudenzia staff will provide them with their lockbox, and the client will self-administer their own medications. At no time will Gaudenzia staff administer medications. Until the lock boxes arrive at the program, all staff have been informed to provide clients access to their medications, but not to administer. Clients will count their medications as required and document on the sheet provided. |