§483.10(e) Respect and Dignity. The resident has a right to be treated with respect and dignity, including:
§483.10(e)(1) The right to be free from any . . . chemical restraints imposed for purposes of discipline or convenience, and not required to treat the resident's medical symptoms, consistent with §483.12(a)(2).
§483.12 The resident has the right to be free from abuse, neglect, misappropriation of resident property, and exploitation as defined in this subpart. This includes but is not limited to freedom from corporal punishment, involuntary seclusion and any physical or chemical restraint not required to treat the resident's medical symptoms. §483.12(a) The facility must-. . . §483.12(a)(2) Ensure that the resident is free from . . . chemical restraints imposed for purposes of discipline or convenience and that are not required to treat the resident's medical symptoms. . . . . §483.45(c)(3) A psychotropic drug is any drug that affects brain activities associated with mental processes and behavior. These drugs include, but are not limited to, drugs in the following categories: (i) Anti-psychotic; (ii) Anti-depressant; (iii) Anti-anxiety; and (iv) Hypnotic.
§483.45(d) Unnecessary drugs-General. Each resident's drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. An unnecessary drug is any drug when used- (1) In excessive dose (including duplicate drug therapy); or (2) For excessive duration; or (3) Without adequate monitoring; or (4) Without adequate indications for its use; or (5) In the presence of adverse consequences which indicate the dose should be reduced or discontinued; or (6) Any combinations of the reasons stated in paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) of this section.
§483.45(e) Psychotropic Drugs. Based on a comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that--
§483.45(e)(1) Residents who have not used psychotropic drugs are not given these drugs unless the medication is necessary to treat a specific condition as diagnosed and documented in the clinical record;
§483.45(e)(2) Residents who use psychotropic drugs receive gradual dose reductions, and behavioral interventions, unless clinically contraindicated, in an effort to discontinue these drugs;
§483.45(e)(3) Residents do not receive psychotropic drugs pursuant to a PRN order unless that medication is necessary to treat a diagnosed specific condition that is documented in the clinical record; and
§483.45(e)(4) PRN orders for psychotropic drugs are limited to 14 days. Except as provided in §483.45(e)(5), if the attending physician or prescribing practitioner believes that it is appropriate for the PRN order to be extended beyond 14 days, he or she should document their rationale in the resident's medical record and indicate the duration for the PRN order. §483.45(e)(5) PRN orders for anti-psychotic drugs are limited to 14 days and cannot be renewed unless the attending physician or prescribing practitioner evaluates the resident for the appropriateness of that medication.
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Observations:
Based on review of facility policy, review of facility documentation, review of clinical records, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure one resident received a gradual dose reduction of a psychotropic medication for one of five residents reviewed (Resident R193).
Findings Include:
Review of facility policy "Psychotropic Medications" revised September 2025 revealed psychotropic medications will be prescribed at the lowest possible dosage for the shortest period of time and are subject to gradual dose reduction and re-review.
Review of Resident R193's quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS federally mandated resident assessment and care screening) dated January 28, 2026, revealed the resident was assessed with severe cognitive impairment and had diagnoses of dementia (dementia (decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities), depression (mood disorder characterized by low mood, a feeling of sadness, and a general loss of interest in things), and bipolar disorder (is a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior).
Continued review of Resident R193's quarterly MDS dated January 28, 2026, revealed the resident was taking antipsychotic and antidepressant medications.
Review of Resident R193's comprehensive care plan revised September 20, 2024, revealed the resident was at risk for behavior symptoms related to dementia and bipolar. Intervention dated July 29, 2021, included attempt psychotropic drug reduction per physician orders.
Review of Resident R193's clinical record revealed a physician order dated December 27, 2023, to administer Zoloft (also known as Sertraline) 25 milligrams one time per day for depression.
Review of Resident R193's "Consultant Pharmacist Review, Physician Report" dated December 8, 2025, revealed recommendations to consider a gradual dose reduction for Sertraline 25 milligrams. The report was signed, but not dated, by the physician noting that he/she agreed with the recommendations and to further consult psych to adjust the medication dosage.
Review of Resident R193's clinical record revealed a psychiatric exam was not conducted until March 20, 2026.
Review of Resident R193's "Comprehensive Psychiatric Exam" dated March 20, 2026, revealed recommendations to stop Sertraline.
Review of Resident R193's clinical record revealed the physician order for Sertraline was still active as of March 26, 2026, and no follow-up from the physician.
28 Pa. Code 211.10 (a) Resident care policies.
28 Pa. Code 211.12 (d)(5) Nursing services.
| | Plan of Correction - To be completed: 05/05/2026
This provider submits the following plan of correction in good faith and to comply with Federal and State regulations. This plan is not an admission of wrong doing nor does it reflect agreement with the facts and conclusions stated in the statement of deficiencies.
It is the practice of the facility to ensure residents receive a gradual dose reduction of a psychotropic medication. 1. Unit manager ensured gradual dose reduction order was completed for R193. 2. Unit manager or designee reviewed pharmacy consultant recommendations for a gradual dose reduction for the month of March. Gradual dose reduction recommendations were in compliance. 3. Nurse educator educated the unit managers on the importance of completing gradual dose recommend by pharmacy consultants. 4. Director of Nursing or designee will conduct random audits once a week for 30 days for gradual dose reductions to ensure they are being addressed. Results of audits will be reviewed at the facility QAPI meeting.
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