Preventing Medication Errors When Medications are Not Available to Administer
Description
Original recording date: March 3, 2026. This session was presented at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute. The content of this session is provided for informational purposes only and reflects regulations and best practices accurate as of the date of the recording.
Identify system-level strategies, escalation protocols, and pharmacy collaboration practices to prevent medication errors when medications are unavailable.
Length: 1 hour
CEUs
This webinar has been approved for 1 CEU by MN-BELTSS and is applicable for the MN Board of Nursing. A general certificate is also available.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the key factors contributing to medication errors caused by medications not available to administer, based on findings from the LeadingAge Minnesota Quality Committee work group.
- Describe effective processes and escalation protocols for timely response and resolution when a medication is unavailable, including staff communication and accountability strategies.
- Implement system-level strategies—such as cycle fill oversight, pharmacy collaboration, and redundancy planning—to reduce the risk of unavailable medications and strengthen medication safety culture.
Audience
Applicable to Assisted Living and Nursing Homes..
Presenters
Julie Apold, PhD, Vice President of Quality, LeadingAge Minnesota, Minneapolis; and Linda Atkinson, RN, BSN, LNHA, LALD, Administrator, Winona Senior Services