Medication therapy is one component of healthcare that can directly influence every other aspect of patient care. For residents in a skilled nursing facilities, the consultant pharmacist can be instrumental in identifying unnecessary medications and optimizing therapy. There are 3 types of medication reviews that a pharmacist can perform for LTCF residents.
The Medication Regimen Review (MRR) is a thorough evaluation of the medication regimen by a pharmacist, with the goal of promoting positive outcomes and minimizing adverse consequences associated with medication. The review includes preventing, identifying, reporting, and resolving medication-related problems, medication errors, or other irregularities in collaboration with other members of the interdisciplinary team. Each facility resident should receive a MRR once a month. A MRR should also be performed for residents anticipated to stay less that 30 days.
The Interim Regimen Review (iMRR) is an evaluation of the medication regimen similar to a MRR, but it is performed more frequently. An iMRR should occur if a resident has experienced a change of status. The iMRR is designed to determine if the resident's change in status is medication related.
Lastly, the Complete Medication Review (CMR) is a patient-centered review and consultation of the current therapy regimen. The pharmacist reviews all current medications with the resident, and provides the resident a medication list with consultation points. Prescriber communications are sent as necessary. The CMR is a CMS requirement for Medicare Part-D participants. Eligible members should receive a CMR annually and after being discharged from the hospital.
To learn more, subscribe to our monthly newsletter.