Board and Care Homes: Elderly at Risk From Mishandled Medications
HRD-92-45
Published: Feb 07, 1992. Publicly Released: Mar 16, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the misuse and mismanagement of residents' medications in board and care homes for the elderly, focusing on whether: (1) staff who work in licensed board and care homes are knowledgeable about the proper handling of medications; (2) staff follow proper procedures for storing, supervising, and administering medications; and (3) residents receive the appropriate medications.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Human Services | To minimize the risk of improper medication assistance to residents, the Secretary of Health and Human Services should direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and disseminate to states guidelines for assisting with self-medication, storing and disposing of medications, and recordkeeping. |
HHS took alternative action. It performed and disseminated studies about the board and care industry that incorporated medication handling issues. The findings and conclusions were consistent with GAO's recommendation. However, an official in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation stated that the agency does not have sufficient resources to take further action on the recommendation at this time.
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| Department of Health and Human Services | To minimize the risk of improper medication assistance to residents, the Secretary of Health and Human Services should direct HHS to develop and disseminate to states model classroom training programs for board and care home administrators, operators, staff, and state inspectors on such topics as medication types, proper storage, supervision and assistance, and adverse effects of medications. |
HHS took alternative action. It performed and disseminated studies about the board and care industry that incorporated medication handling issues. The findings and conclusions were consistent with GAO's recommendation. However, an official in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation stated that the agency does not have sufficient resources to take further action on the recommendation at this time.
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