The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) this week said it is launching an investigation into possible opioid overuse, misuse, or diversion in nursing homes.

“State survey agencies cited almost half of nursing homes nationwide for pharmaceutical services deficiencies during recent complaint and standard health inspections. If effective systems and procedures to ensure the safe and effective use of medications are not implemented, over 157,000 nursing home residents who receive opioids could be at risk for overuse, misuse, or diversion,” HHS OIG said.

Investigators will determine whether selected state agencies ensured that nursing homes: (1) complied with federal and state pharmacy service requirements to prevent the overuse of opioids by Medicaid and Medicare residents, and (2) implemented effective internal controls to prevent the misuse or diversion of opioids.

On the issue of opioids, Holly Norelli, vice president, quality & regulatory services at the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, said "nursing homes are committed to protecting the safety of residents and staff while also doing what they can to help with the opioid crisis in our nation.”

Further, she said “by implementing effective safety protocols that include the appropriate storage, distribution, and management of medications, nursing homes can prioritize the medical needs of residents while providing a safe environment for all.”

For its part, HHS OIG called pharmaceutical services an “integral part of the care required to meet the needs of each nursing home resident,” and noted nursing homes must provide pharmaceutical services (including procedures that assure the accurate acquiring, receiving, dispensing, and administering of all drugs).

“Nursing homes are also required to: (1) store all drugs in locked compartments; (2) permit only authorized personnel to have access to the keys to secured areas; and (3) provide separately locked, permanently affixed compartments for storage of Schedule II controlled drugs,” HHS OIG said.

The HHS OIG project’s completion date is fiscal year 2028.

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.