Posts Tagged ‘Drug Diversion’

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Narcotics Stolen from Residents at Capital View Transitional Care

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 25th March 2017 | Category: Financial Exploitation | RSS Feed

Medication Theft – Stolen Pain Medications at Capital View Transitional Care in St Paul Minnesota

Capital View Transitional Care Pain Medication Stolen From Clients

In a report dated March 2, 2017 from the Minnesota Department of Health, it was alleged that staff at Capital View Transitional Care

Capital View Transitional Care – Medication Theft

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, financial exploitation occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took multiple narcotic medication from three resident’s over approximately two months. There was no indication any of the residents suffered any pain as a result.

Resident #1 and #2 were at the facility for post operative care and were receiving narcotic medication for pain. Resident #3 was receiving narcotics for leg pain.

During Resident #1’s discharge, the nurse reviewed the remaining narcotic medication with Resident #1. Resident #1 stated s/he did not request or received the amount of pain medication doses that were recorded in the record as administered. The nurse notified administration of the discrepancy. Additional residents were interviewed and similar comments were obtained from Resident #2 and Resident #3.

Resident #1 was interviewed stating s/he did not take as many medications as documented by the facility. The Resident only took one narcotic at any given time and the documentation indicated she received two tablets.

Resident #2 was interviewed and stated s/he did not like to take narcotics and denied taking all the narcotics documented in the medical record.

Resident #3 was not available for interview.

The AP was interviewed and admitted to taking narcotics from residents residing in the facility. The AP stated she would sign out two medications, give one to the resident and keep the other. In addition, the AP would sign out a narcotic medication when the resident didn’t ask for it and keep it for her/himself. The AP was unable to identify which residents, how often, or how much narcotic medication was taken from the residents.

Based on a review of resident #1, #2, and #3’s medical records it is suspected that the AP took between 20-20 narcotics.

The facility reported the incident to the Board of Nursing and terminated the AP.

Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect at Capital View Transitional Care

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For more information from the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints concerning nursing homes, assisted living and other elder care providers view resolved complaints at the MDH website.

If you have concerns about medication theft / financial exploitation or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Red Wing Health Center Red Wing Neglect Substantiated

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 1st March 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Financial Exploitation | RSS Feed

Substantiated Allegation of Neglect at Red Wing Health Center After Resident Suffers From Unstageable Pressure Ulcers Stage III/IV Pressure Sores While at the Facility

Red Wing Health Center Resident Suffers from Pressure Sores

In a report dated January 23, 2017 the Minnesota Department of Health alleged that a resident at Red Wing Health Center in Red Wing was neglected when s/he developed several unstageable pressure ulcers and Stage III/IV pressure ulcers while s/he was at the facility.

Red Wing Health Center Substantiated Neglect Due to Pressure Ulcers

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when facility staff failed to implement a resident’s designated care plan interventions to heal pressure ulcers and prevent new ulcers from developing. Although facility nurses were aware that the resident was resisting the care plan interventions, facility nurses failed to address any alternative approaches for effective wound management. The resident developed nine new pressure ulcers in four months, including several that became infected and exhibited serious characteristics such as tunneling with depth, exposing muscle and bone. The resident was hospitalized twice in four months with sepsis from wound infections.

The resident was admitted to the facility from another long-term care facility at the end of April 2016. At the time of admission, the resident had two pressure ulcers, an unstageable pressure ulcer on the sacrum (2.7 cm x 1.5 cm x .4 cm) and a Stage II pressure ulcer on the right heel (1.8 cm x 1 cm). The resident has complete paraplegia and multiple sclerosis. The resident is unable to move his/her legs and has limited use of his/her arms. The resident can use an electric wheelchair independently which the resident propels with a joy stick. The resident is alert and oriented.

The resident had an alternating air mattress on his/her bed and a pressure redistributing cushion in the electric wheelchair. Staff were supposed to turn and re-position the resident every two hours and offload the resident hourly per the resident’s care plan, but these interventions were not carried out. There was no planned turning or re-positioning schedule for pressure redistribution and staff did not offer to turn or reposition the resident unless the resident requested it. The resident was expected to offload him/herself by reclining the backrest of the wheelchair, but the frequency of offloading was not monitored by staff. The nursing assistant care guides regarding the resident’s daily care tasks were void of any interventions aimed at wound management, including turning, re-positioning, or offloading the resident. Nurses did not provide adequate oversight of the resident’s daily care by nursing assistants or the resident’s daily needs to heal wounds and prevent new wounds from developing.

Although staff stated that the resident consistently refused wound management interventions, there was no evidence that staff evaluated the inadequacy of interventions of assessed the resident’s individualized needs for alternative interventions. At the end of June 2016, the resident was hospitalized with sepsis due to a sacral wound infection. The sacral pressure ulcer had deteriorated to Stage IV with exposed muscle and Stage II pressure ulcer on the right hip (10 cm in diameter), a Stage II pressure ulcer on the left hip (6 cm in diameter), a Stage II pressure ulcer on the left ischium (2 cm x 2 cm), and a Stage II pressure ulcer on the right ischium (2 cm x 2 cm).

After the resident returned to the facility from the hospital, there was no evidence that staff re-evaluated the resident’s care plan interventions to determine modifications necessary for wound management and skin integrity. There was no evidence that staff initiated structured care interventions, including possible behavioral strategies, to promote wound healing and prevent new skin breakdown.

In mid-September 2016, the resident was hospitalized again with sepsis due to wound infections. On hospital admission, the resident had eleven pressure ulcers. Four of eleven pressure ulcers had grossly deteriorated. The sacral pressure ulcer (12 cm x 10 cm) was unstageable with purulent foul drainage and macerated edges. The left hip pressure ulcer was unstageable (9 cm x 7 cm) with purulent foul drainage. The right hip pressure ulcer had deteriorated to Stage IV (12 cm x 12 cm 1.5 cm) with bone felt at the bottom of the wound bed. The right ischium pressure ulcer had deteriorated to Stage IV (6 cm 5 cm 6 cm) with muscle exposed. The resident also had seven additional pressure ulcers, including Stage III pressure ulcer on the left lateral ankle (3.5 cm x 2.0 cm), five pressure ulcers classified as unstageable on the right posterior shoulder (5.0 cm x 4.0 cm), the right heel (2.0 cm x 2.0 cm x 2.5 cm), the left heel (2.2 cm x 1.2 cm), the left lateral foot (1.0 cm x 1.5 cm), the right medical ankle (1.3 cm 0.7 cm), and a Stage I pressure ulcer on the right lateral ankle. The resident was hospitalized for eight days due to the seriousness of the wounds.

After the resident returned to the facility from the hospital, there was no evidence that staff re-evaluated the resident’s care approaches or made any changes in the resident’s daily care routine. At the time of the onsite investigation, staff were not turning, repositioning, or offloading the resident and the Nurse Manager of the resident’s until did not know how many wounds the resident had, what the condition of the resident’s wounds were, or what the care plan interventions were to heal the resident’s wounds and prevent new wounds from developing.

Red Wing Health Center – Report Abuse and Neglect

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Hold Negligent Providers Like Red Wing Health Center Accountable

Attorney Kenneth LaBore has handled many preventable serious and fatal burn injuries, many due to the failure to follow safety policies and procedures related to oxygen use and smoking. Burns can also happen from scalding water, heaters and electric pads and blankets and other ways.

If you have concerns about pressure sore injuries or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

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Physical Abuse by Staff Heritage House of Milaca Minnesota

Heritage House of Milaca Complaint Findings for Exploitation

In a report concluded on January 31, 2011, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Heritage House of Milaca for exploitation by staff.

The allegation is abused based on the following: Employee (A), alleged perpetrator (AP) grabbed Client #1’s wrist causing bruising on Client #1’s hand and wrist.

Substantiated Complaint Against Heritage House of Milaca

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, elder abuse is a growing problem. While we don’t know all of the details about why abuse occurs or how to stop its spread, we do know that help is available for victims. Concerned people, like you, can spot the warning signs of a possible problem, and make a call for help if an elder is in need of assistance.

•Physical Abuse
•Sexual Abuse
•Emotional or Psychological Abuse
•Neglect
•Abandonment
•Financial or Material Exploitation
•Self-neglect

If you have concerns about financial exploitation or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Wheelchair Injury Fall Red Wing Health Center Red Wing Minnesota

Red Wing Health Center Cited for Abuse – Exploitation – Drug Diversion

In a report dated February 4, 2016, the Minnesota Department of Health cited Red Wing Health Center alleged that a resident was financially exploited when a staff, alleged perpetrator (AP) took a resident’s pain medication for his/her own personal use.

Based on a preponderance of the evidence financial exploitation did occur when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took 39 oxycodone (a narcotic) tablets from the resident for his/her own personal use over a period of approximately a month.

Red Wing Health Center Red Wing Complaint Findings for Neglect – Falls

In a report concluded on April 26, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Red Wing Health Center Red Wing for neglect of health care -falls.

The allegation is neglect based on the following: Resident #1 had a fall, with serious injuries, when Employee (J)/Alleged Perpetrator (AP) placed Resident #1 in the wrong wheelchair, which did not have a pressure alarm or self-release seat belt.

If you have concerns about falls, fractures, financial exploitation or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Lifesprk LLC Cited by the MDH With Financial Exploitation

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 28th February 2017 | Category: Financial Exploitation, Medication Administration Mistakes, Medication Drug Error | RSS Feed

Medication Theft Drug Diversion From Lifesprk LLC Edina

Medication Theft Drug Diversion From Client at Lifesprk LLC Edina

Lifesprk LLC – Financially Exploitation Drug Diversion

In a report dated January 9, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health, it was alleged that a client at Lifesprk LLC Edina was financially exploited when s/he had approximately 50-56 pills missing.

Lifesprk LLC Medication Theft Drug Diversion

Based on a preponderance of evidence, financial exploitation occurred when an unknown staff member took 50-56 tablets of hydrocodone/APAP-5/325 milligrams (mg) from the client.

The client received home care services with medication management according to a service agreement and care plan. The client had a physician’s order for hydrocodone/APAP – 5/325 milligrams (mg) two tablets twice a day, morning and evening. The pharmacy provided the medication as two cards, one labeled morning and another labeled evening. Each contained 60 tablets.

Obervations and interviews with staff conducted during the on-site investigation revealed clients that receive medication management had their medications stored in a locked cabinet in their rooms. In that locked cabinet were two locked tool boxes. One tool box contained a one-month supply of client medications, both scheduled and as-needed, in blister packages. Unlicensed staff have access to the locked cabinet and this first toolbox. Unlicensed staff document medication administration by signing both the medication administration administration record (MAR) and the blister pack when they administer a medication. The second tool box contains surplus medications and is only accessible by licensed staff. Staff indicated that for both boxes, licensed staff only periodically account for the medications.

Interviews with staff revealed a nurse discovered the client’s evening card of hydrocodone/APAP was missing when the nurse when to destroy the medication after the client’s discharge from the facility. Staff said they suspected 50-56 tablets of hydrocodone/APAP-5/325 (mg) belongs to the client were taken by a staff member. The facility was unable to determine an alleged perpetrator, and was unable to determine exactly how many tablets were missing or when the tablets went missing. However, the facility determined that staff members were not following facility policy and procedures regarding medication management.

Observations and document review confirmed that the facility was unable to account for one medication card, which should have contained over 50 tablets of hydrocodone/APAP. However, because the medication supply was not being regularly counted, and because the narcotics count sheets which were present contained other errors in the quantity of tablets, it was not possible to determine when the card went missing.

Law enforcement also conducted an investigation, but were unable to determine who might have taken the medications. The police closed the investigation.

Lifesprk LLC – Report Suspected Abuse and Neglect

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

If you have concerns about any form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

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Theft of Resident’s Credit Cards at Lifesprk LLC in Edina Minnesota

Credit Card Theft From Resident at Lifesprk LLC

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health dated April 26, 2016, it is alleged that a client at Lifesprk LLC was financially exploited when the alleged perpetrator (AP) used the client’s credit cards for his/her own personal use.

Lifesprk LLC Cited After Theft of Credit Cards

Based on a preponderance of evidence of the evidence financial exploitation did occur when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took two of the client’s credit cards and made several purchases at seven different locations on separate days without the client’s permission totaling $1765.49.

The client received services from the home care provider for medication administration, escorts, activities of daily living, housekeeping, laundry, meals, and transfer assistance. The client was not alert to person, place or time and did not have the ability to leave the facility.

Interviews with staff revealed the comprehensive home care provider was notified by the client’s family of fraudulent charges on the client’s credit cards and noted two of the credit cards were missing from the client’s wallet. The comprehensive home care provider interviewed all staff members and provided care for the client and all staff denied taking the client’s credit cards. The AP did not show up for the interview with the comprehensive home care provider and the AP provided regular services to the client. The comprehensive home care provider notified the police of the missing credit cards and the fraudulent charges.

If you have concerns about medication errors, improper use of medical equipment, falls or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Vista Prairie at Windmill Pond Medication Diversion

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 27th February 2017 | Category: Medication Drug Error | RSS Feed

Theft of Medication – Vista Prairie at Windmill Pond Financial Exploitation

Vista Prairie at Windmill Pond Financial Exploitation

According to a report dated January 23, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health it was alleged that a client at Vista Prairie at Windmill Pond Alexandria was financially exploited when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took the client’s medication.

Vista Prairie at Windmill Pond Substantiated Allegation Medication Theft

Based on a preponderance of evidence, financial exploitation occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took the client’s opioid medication.

The client received medication management from the home care provider according to the service agreement and service plan. The client had a physician’s order for oxycodone oral solution (five milligrams / five milliliters), to be taken every four hours as needed for pain.

Document review and observations made during the on-site investigation revealed a nurse drew up liquid oxycodone in syringes for the client, and placed them in a double-locked medication storage cabinet. Keys were only available to on-duty unlicensed staff. The keys were always kept in the immediate possession of staff.

Interviews were conducted with two nurses. One nurse was setting up oral medication oxycodone syringes for the client, and noticed syringes s/he had previously set-up appeared to lighter in color than the new syringes s/he just set up. The nurse examined the syringes s/he set up six days prior and noticed there were bubbles in the solution and the measurements were not as exact as his/her usual practice. The nurse said when s/he fills the syringes there are never any bubbles in the solution. They are precise measurements they are verified by a second nurse, and s/he re-checks them each three to four times right before placing the syringes in the medication storage cabinet. The nurse shared his/her concerns with the second nurse, who also observed that the syringes set-up six days prior were lighter in color than the new syringes. The nurse suspected the newly hired AP had diverted the medication. The nurses discovered the AP who was working as a newly hired AP had diverted the medication. The nurses discovered the AP, who was working as an unlicensed resident assistant, has a suspended nursing license, due to previous drug diversion in Minnesota and another state; the AP had failed to disclose the suspended license to the home care provider. The nurses notified the police.

A police report indicated police were called to the facility for a suspected drug diversion. The police interviewed the AP and s/he admitted to taking the medications from the client. Police forwarded this investigation to County Attorney for charging. The AP subsequently entered a plea of guilty for Felony Controlled Substance Crime in the 5th degree.

The AP was interviewed and admitted to taking medication from the client and diluting the solution in the syringes set up by the nurse. The AP stated s/he plead guilty to the Felony Controlled Substance charge.

Vista Prairie at Windmill Pond Alexandria Report Suspected Abuse and Neglect

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

Theft of Resident Funds and Medications at Lighthouse at Waconia According to MDH

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 31st January 2017 | Category: Financial Exploitation, Medication Administration Mistakes, Medication Drug Error | RSS Feed

Lighthouse at Waconia Substantiated Financial Exploitation and Drug Diversion Allegations

Lighthouse at Waconia Allegations of Exploitation and Drug Diversion

In a report dated January 30, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health cited Lighthouse at Waconia it was alleged that a staff member, alleged perpetrator (AP) took narcotics from two clients without permission.

Substantiated Complaint of Drug Diversion by Staff of Lighthouse at Waconia

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, financial exploitation is substantiated. The AP took medications belonging to two clients.

The AP was interviewed and state s/he took the medications to relieve back pain. S/he explained that s/he signed out “as needed” narcotic medications, one or two pills at time, as if a client had requested the medications for pain. When new medications arrived from the pharmacy, s/he took the remaining supply of the medication from the narcotic medications box and tore the sheet out of the narcotic tracking book in an effort to avoid detection. The AP admitted to taking narcotic medications from two clients, stating that s/he would take a few pills at a time and then a pack of 23 oxycodone pills. The AP was unsure of how many pills s/he took in total.

Allegation of Abuse by Exploitation at Lighthouse at Waconia

In a report dated January 30, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health MDH cited Lighthouse at Waconia after allegation that financial exploitation occurred when a staff person, alleged perpetrator (AP) admitted to police that s/he took an ATM card and used it to withdraw money in excess of $6000.00 without the client’s permission.

Substantiated Complaint of Exploitation by Staff at Lighthouse of Waconia

Based on a preponderance of evidence, financial exploitation is substantiated. The alleged perpetrator (AP) admitting to taking the client’s ATM card and withdrawing money without the client’s permission.

The AP state that on one occasion the AP was asked by the client to withdraw money from the client’s account and had given the AP the pin number of the ATM card. The AP then memorized the pin number. The AP state that s/he would take the ATM card out of the client’s purse when the client was not in his/her room during meal time. The AP would then leave the facility to withdraw money from the client’s account removed $300-$400 each time from the client’s account. The AP could not recall how many times s/he had used the client’s ATM card without permission but stated that it was a period of over two or three months. The unauthorized charges totaled $6,578.00

If you have concerns about financial exploitation or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Sunrise Assisted Living Cited After Theft of Resident Medications

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 16th January 2017 | Category: Financial Exploitation | RSS Feed

Drug Diversion Medication Theft at Sunrise Assisted Living of Roseville

Allegations of Medication Theft at Sunrise Assisted Living

In a report dated November 28, 2016, from the Minnesota Department of Health it is alleged that Sunrise Assisted Living in Roseville it is alleged that seven clients were financially exploited when staff, alleged perpetrator (AP), took the client’s medications.

Substantiated Neglect After Medications Being Taken from Residents at Sunrise Assisted Living

Based on a preponderance of evidence, financial exploitation is substantiated. The alleged perpetrator (AP) took pain medications belonging to seven different clients over the course of multiple incidents.

All seven clients received medication administration from the home care provider. Client #1 had a physician’s order for morphine 5 milligrams (mg). Client #2 had a physician’s order for tramadol 50 mg. Client #3 had a physician’s order for hydrocodone/APAP 5/325 mg. Client #4 had a physician’s order for oxycodone 2.5 mg (5 mg, half tablets). Client #5 had a physician’s order for oxycodone 5 mg. Client #6 had a physician’s order for hydrocodone/APAP 5/325 (half tablets). Client #7 had a physician’s order for hydrocodone/APAP 5 325 mg.

Interviews with staff were conducted. A nurse tried to refill the physician’s order for Client #7. The pharmacy called back later and told the nurse that it was too soon to refill the order. The nurse reviewed the facility medication administration records and the original physician’s order and determined Client #7 should have 30 tablets remaining. When checking the narcotic count sheet, the nurse noticed the AP had logged in the narcotic medications. This was unusual because the nurse received the medications from the pharmacy and always logged the medications in after receiving them from the pharmacy. The nurse notified the supervisor.

A review of the pharmacy delivery inventory sheets and the narcotic count book sheets revealed the following missing medications for each client: Client #1 had 30 tablets of morphine 5 mg missing; Client #2 had 30 tablets of tramadol 50 mg missing; Client #3 had 150 tablets of hydrocodone/APAP 5 325 missing; Client #4 had 120 half tablets of oxycodone 2.5 mg (5 mg half tablets) missing; Client #5 had 60 half tablets of oxycodone missing; Client #6 had 90 half tablets of hydrocodone/APAP 5 325 mg missing; and Client #7 had 90 tablets of hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/325 mg missing.

The AP had falsified signatures, altered count documents, and falsified count inventory numbers and dates for all seven clients. Staff checked the document destruction bins and discovered empty bubble packs for Client #3, Client #4, and Client #5 along with what appeared to be practiced pages of staff signatures. The AP confessed s/he was responsible for all the missing medications to management.

A police report indicated police were notified by the home care provider that medications were missing. The home care provider provided police with documentation detailing the missing medications. The police interviewed the AP, and the AP admitted to taking medications from the clients.

The AP was interviewed and admitted to taking medications from clients.

If you have concerns about medication errors, theft of medication or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Lyngblomsten Care Center Cited After Medication Theft

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 16th January 2017 | Category: Financial Exploitation | RSS Feed

Lyngblomsten Care Center Cited After Medication Theft also Known as Drug Diversion

Medication Taken From Resident at Lyngblomsten Leads to MDH Complaint

In a report dated November 7, 2016, the Minnesota Department of Health alleged that Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul, Minnesota it is alleged that a resident was financially exploited when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took resident’s pain medications.

Substantiated Medication Theft at Lyngblomsten Care Center

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, financial exploitation occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took narcotic pain medications from multiple residents several times.

A physician ordered hydrocodone/acetaminophen (a opioid/narcotic pain medication) 5/323 milligrams (mg) every four hours as needed for the resident’s moderate to severe breakthrough pain. The facility staff administered for the resident’s medications.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., the resident requested prescribed pain medication and nurse went to retrieve the medication from an automated medication dispensing machine. The nurse entered his/her identification and password to retrieve the medication and the dispensing machine indicated it was “too early.” The nurse informed the supervisor, who contacted the pharmacy that services the medication dispensing machine. The pharmacy was able to tell the supervisor the AP had retrieved the pain medication for the resident at 7:12 p.m. The AP was working that evening on another unit and was not assigned to the resident. The supervisor spoke with the AP. The AP did not have a clear explanation.

The video surveillance in the medication room identified the AP entering the room, accessing the machine at 7:12 p.m., and placing the medication envelope in his/her right uniform pocket. A machine report verified the AP was the person who retrieved medication for the resident. The transaction report for the machine indicated the AP had retrieved the resident’s pain medication 73 times over a four month period. The AP had not documented any of the medications were given to the resident on the electronic medication administration record.

The resident was interviewed and stated s/he was having tooth pain that evening and requested the pain medication. The resident was given plain acetaminophen for pain relief.

Additional documentation review and staff interviews were conducted during the investigation. The AP retrieved narcotic pain medication from the medication dispensing machine for six residents from January 2016 to April 2016, retrieving a total of 350 opioid tablets. The AP did not document these tablets as administered to the six residents on the electronic medication administration record. S/he reported s/he had forgotten to document.

The police report indicated the AP admitted to taking one or two Oxycodone HCL (another opioid narcotic) 5 mg tablets from residents during five separate incidents over a four month period of time. In addition, the police searched the AP’s purse and found six opioid tablets that the AP admitted belonged to other residents in the facility. The case was forwarded to the county attorney for charges.

During an interview, the AP reported s/he had been taken one or two Oxycodone HCL 5 mg tablets from a resident during five separate incidents over a four month period. The AP stated s/he did not give medication to the resident on the evening of the incident. The AP indicated the tablets, found by the police in his/her purse, did not come from the facility.

After video surveillance confirmed the AP’s conduct, s/he was terminated from the facility.

If you have concerns about medication errors, drug version / medication theft or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Home Care Services in Springfield Cited With Complaint After Medication Theft

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 16th January 2017 | Category: Financial Exploitation | RSS Feed

Drug Diversion and Narcotic Medication Theft at Home Care Services

Substantiate Complaint After Narcotics Theft at Home Care Services

In a report dated September 19, 2016 from the Minnesota Department of Health, it is alleged that two clients from Home Care Services in Springfield Minnesota were financially exploited when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took the client’s narcotic medications.

Narcotic Medication Theft at Home Care Services

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, financial exploitation is substantiated. The alleged perpetrator (AP) took narcotic medications from two clients on several occasions.

Client #1 received services from the home care provider for daily wellness checks, oxygen tank service, assistance with compression stockings, and weekly blood pressure checks according to client’s service agreement. Client #1 had a physician’s order for several strengths of oxycodone (an opioid narcotic) to be taken as needed multiple times per day.

Client #2 received services from the home care provider for transfer assistance when bathing according to the client’s service agreement. Client #2 had a physician’s order for hydrocodone/APAP (an opioid narcotic).

Neither client received medication management service from the home care provider.

A family member reported they suspected a staff member was taking medications from both clients. The housing director sat in Client #1’s apartment while they were out of the apartment at supper. There was a medication bottle on a table in the living room with medication inside. S/he observed the AP knock on the door, enter the apartment, pour medications from Client #1’s medication bottle, and leave the apartment. The staff checked the pill bottle and said it was empty. S/he notified the police. Police came to the facility and the AP admitted s/he took pills from the clients a few times. Police searched the AP and discovered eight pills belonging to Client #1.

Interviews with clients revealed Client #2 was missing 14 hydrocodone/APAP tablets from the pill bottle that was stored in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Client #1 was missing over 20 tablets from the pill bottle that were stored on a table in the living room.

A police report was reviewed. Police searched the AP and interviewed him/her. Police discovered oxycodone tablets belonging to Client #1 in the AP’s pocket. The AP admitted to the police s/he took pills from both clients. Police forwarded their findings to the county attorney for possible criminal charges. Attempts to interview the AP were unsuccessful.

If you have concerns about medication errors, and drug diversion or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Medications Stolen From Residents at Tealwood Management in Shakopee

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 5th September 2016 | Category: Financial Exploitation | RSS Feed

Drug Diversion, Theft of Medications from Six Residents from Tealwood Management d/b/a All Saints Senior Living of Shakopee Minnesota

Tealwood Management After Medications Taken From Six Residents

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health dated August 1, 2016, it is alleged that six clients were financially exploited when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took medications for his/her own use.

Drug Diversion and Medication Theft at Tealwood Management dba All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, financial exploitation occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) stole medication from six clients.

Interview with the registered nurse revealed staff called her/him on March 23, 2016 shortly after 12:00 a.m. to report they found a bubble pack card of medications for were missing, medications had been replaced with other medications and packages had tape on them.

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Medication Theft at Eaglecrest Senior Living

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 7th August 2016 | Category: Medication Administration Mistakes, Medication Drug Error, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect | RSS Feed

Medication Theft at Eaglecrest Senior Housing in Roseville

Eaglecrest Senior Living Cited After Medication Theft

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health dated August 1, 2016, Eaglecrest Senior Housing in Ramsey was cited with drug diversion after medication taken from vulnerable resident.

Medication Taken From Resident at Eaglecrest Senior Living

Based on a preponderance of the evidence financial exploitation occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took 30 Oxycodone tablets, and opioid pain medication, from the client for her/his own personal use.

The client received services from the provider for activities of daily living, housekeeping, laundry, meals and medication administration. The client had a physician’s order for Oxycodone 5/325 milligrams (MG) one tablet scheduled twice daily for pain. The medication was stored in the client’s locked kitchen cabinet, in a locked box, and the 39 tablets were packaged in bubble packs. The client had two bubble pack cards, one for the morning dose and one for the evening dose.

Interview with facility staff revealed the AP was in the public bathroom on the second floor when a staff heard a rustling sound of bubble pack. Later another staff went into the public bathroom on the second floor and discovered one Oxycodone 5.535 mg tablet on the floor. The staff notified the nurse. The nurse knew the client was the only one client on the second floor with a physician’s order for Oxycodone were missing from the client’s locked medication storage box. Staff searched the bathroom on the second floor and discovered both bubble packs from the client in the trash wrapped in paper towels and emptied of 39 tablets. Staff reported the AP was the only staff assigned to the client that shift. The nurse called the client administrator. The clinical administrator called the police.

A police report revealed police were contacted to come to the facility for theft of medication from a client. Police responded and interviewed staff and the AP. The AP admitted to the police s/he took the 39 tablets of Oxycodone from client, ingested five of them and hid the remaining tablets in his/her vehicle. Police searched to AP’s car, discovered the Oxycodone tablets belonging to the client, arrested the AP, and forwarded their investigation findings to the county attorney for formal charges.

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