Medication errors in new jersey nursing homes: know your rights

Every year, countless families in New Jersey make the decision to entrust the care of their loved ones to nursing homes, hoping that they will be treated with the respect, care, and dignity they deserve. Yet, medication errors remain one of the most common and concerning issues plaguing these establishments. At Team Law, we believe it’s vital for everyone to understand their rights and what legal recourse is available when a loved one suffers due to a medication error in a nursing home.

What Constitutes a Medication Error?

Medication errors can range from minor oversights to grave mistakes that can severely impact a resident’s health or even result in death. Some common examples of medication errors include:

Administering the wrong medication.
Giving the incorrect dosage.
Omitting a required dose.
Administering medication to the wrong patient.
Not monitoring for side effects or interactions between different medications.

These mistakes can occur due to factors like miscommunication, lack of training, staff negligence, or simply human error.

Consequences of Medication Errors

The repercussions of medication errors can be dire. They can lead to:

Adverse Reactions: The wrong medicine or dosage can cause severe physical or mental reactions, potentially leading to further health complications.
Exacerbation of Existing Conditions: If a resident doesn’t receive their essential medication, it can worsen their existing ailments.
Overdose: Administering too much medication can lead to an overdose, with severe and potentially fatal implications.
Decreased Efficacy: Missing doses or receiving incorrect doses can reduce the effectiveness of a treatment plan.

Residents of nursing homes are often vulnerable, and any deviation from their prescribed medications can significantly impact their overall health and well-being.

New Jersey Laws on Nursing Home Care and Medication Errors

New Jersey has stringent laws and regulations in place to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in nursing homes. These regulations encompass a range of care aspects, including the administration of medications. Here’s a summary of relevant laws and what they entail concerning medication errors in nursing homes:

1. New Jersey Nursing Home Bill of Rights (N.J.S.A. 30:13-3)

Every nursing home resident in New Jersey has a set of rights. Among these rights, residents are ensured:

To receive adequate and appropriate medical care, and to be informed of their medical condition unless such information is counterproductive to their wellbeing.
Protection against abuse, mistreatment, and neglect, which can encompass medication errors.

Any violation of these rights can lead to legal action against the facility.

2. Licensing Standards (N.J.A.C. 8:39)

New Jersey’s licensing standards for nursing homes cover a wide range of care standards, including those related to medication:

Nursing homes must have written policies and procedures in place concerning medication storage, distribution, and administration.
All medications must be administered as ordered by a physician. Any errors or adverse reactions must be reported immediately to the attending physician and documented in the resident’s medical record.
The facility must ensure that nursing staff is adequately trained and competent in administering medications.

Failure to adhere to these licensing standards can result in penalties, ranging from fines to license revocation.

3. Mandatory Reporting of Incidents (N.J.A.C. 8:39-4.1 to 4.10)

Nursing homes are required to report certain incidents, including medication errors, to the New Jersey Department of Health.
Once reported, the Department can launch an investigation to determine the cause and whether the facility is in violation of any regulations.

4. Medical Director Responsibilities (N.J.A.C. 8:39-4.1 to 4.10)

Every nursing home must have a designated medical director. Among their responsibilities:

Ensuring that residents receive appropriate and timely medical care.
Overseeing and ensuring the proper administration of medications and adherence to relevant protocols.
Taking corrective actions in cases of medication errors.

5. Protections Against Retaliation (N.J.S.A. 30:13-8.1)

Nursing home employees who report medication errors or any other violations are protected against retaliation from the nursing home management. This law ensures that employees can report issues without fear of losing their jobs or facing other adverse actions.

6. Resident and Family Councils (N.J.S.A. 30:13-5)

Nursing homes are required to allow the formation of resident councils and family councils.
These councils can raise concerns about various aspects of care, including medication administration, ensuring that residents and their families have a voice in the care they receive.

Know Your Rights

If you or your loved one has been the victim of a medication error in a New Jersey nursing home, you should be aware of the following rights:

Right to Information: You have the right to know about any medication error that occurred, its cause, and its impact on the health of the resident.
Right to Compensation: If a medication error has resulted in injury or harm, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of nursing home negligence claims.

How Team Law Can Help

At Team Law, we are dedicated to upholding the rights of nursing home residents and ensuring they receive the care they deserve. If you believe that your loved one has been a victim of a medication error in a nursing home, our experienced attorneys are here to help.

Thorough Investigation: Our team will meticulously investigate the incident to determine if negligence was a contributing factor and gather all necessary evidence.
Expert Consultation: We work closely with medical professionals who can provide insight into the ramifications of medication errors and how they could have been avoided.
Fighting for Your Rights: We will advocate for you, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer at Team Law for a Free Consultation About Your Case Today

Medication errors in nursing homes are a grave concern, but residents and their families are not powerless. New Jersey law provides protections for nursing home residents, and at Team Law, we are committed to ensuring these rights are upheld. If you believe a medication error has affected your loved one, contact us today. We will stand with you every step of the way.