Medication management continues to be a top-cited deficiency in assisted living inspections. With staffing and supply chain issues affecting so many communities, be sure you are able to be responsive to the needs of your residents.

As a reminder, the Standards for Assisted Living Facilities specify:

22VAC40-73-640. Medication management plan and reference materials.

4. Methods to ensure that each resident’s prescription medications and any over-the-counter drugs and supplements ordered for the resident are filled and refilled in a timely manner to avoid missed dosages.

Be sure you are maintaining lines of communication with your pharmacy provider to stay aware of any issues related to pharmacy service and have a backup plan identified in the event there is an interruption of services. Communication with prescribing providers is also critical to meeting residents needs in a timely manner. Lastly, ensure your staffing plan provides coverage to meet the needs of residents for their medications.