Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What is the primary function of monthly drug reviews/audits conducted by pharmacists?

1. To decrease medication costs

2. To ensure accurate billing

3. To ensure compliance with medication regulations

4. To assess staff training needs

The correct answer is: To ensure compliance with medication regulations

The primary function of monthly drug reviews or audits conducted by pharmacists is to ensure compliance with medication regulations. This involves a systematic review of residents' medications to identify any issues related to dosing, appropriateness of the prescribed medications, potential drug interactions, and overall effectiveness in meeting the therapeutic goals. This process is essential for maintaining the safety and well-being of residents in nursing homes, as it helps to prevent medication errors and adverse drug reactions. While decreasing medication costs, ensuring accurate billing, and assessing staff training needs are all important considerations in the broader context of healthcare management, they are secondary to the primary goal of regulatory compliance. Compliance with medication regulations is crucial for preserving the integrity of the medication management process, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and adherence to federal and state health care laws.