Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic Beverages 

Goal 
To comply with resident wishes, promote quality of life, and foster a home-like atmosphere for the residents. 

Policy 
Alcoholic beverages are permitted for residents unless otherwise ordered by the physician. Alcoholic beverages will be stored and managed to ensure resident safety. 

Practice Guidelines 

1. Physician Orders: 

• Alcoholic beverages are allowed unless explicitly restricted by a physician’s order. The physician’s order should be documented in the resident’s medical record. 

• Any changes in a resident’s medical condition that may affect their ability to consume alcohol should be promptly communicated to the physician for reevaluation of the resident’s alcohol consumption privileges. 

2. Resident Consent and Assessment: 

• Prior to allowing a resident to consume alcoholic beverages, an assessment must be completed to ensure it is safe and appropriate for the resident. 

• Obtain written consent from the resident or their legal representative, acknowledging the potential risks and benefits of consuming alcohol. 

3. Storage and Distribution: 

• Alcoholic beverages must be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access. This includes storing them in a locked cabinet or designated area. 

• Only authorized staff should have access to the storage area for alcoholic beverages. 

• Alcoholic beverages should be labeled with the resident’s name and date of receipt to prevent confusion and ensure proper tracking. 

4. Serving Alcoholic Beverages: 

• Staff must follow physician orders and the resident’s care plan when serving alcoholic beverages. 

• Alcoholic beverages should be served in moderation, and staff should monitor residents for any adverse reactions or changes in behavior. 

• Staff should ensure that residents consuming alcohol do so in a safe and supervised environment, particularly if the resident has any history of falls or other health concerns. 

5. Documentation and Monitoring: 

• All instances of alcohol consumption should be documented in the resident’s care plan, including the type and amount of alcohol consumed, and the time and date of consumption. 

• Staff should monitor residents for signs of intoxication or adverse reactions and document any observations in the resident’s medical record. 

• Any incidents or concerns related to alcohol consumption should be reported immediately to the nursing supervisor and documented according to facility procedures. 

6. Resident Education: 

• Residents and their families should be educated about the potential risks and benefits of alcohol consumption, particularly in relation to the resident’s medical conditions and medications. 

• Education should include the importance of moderation and the potential interactions between alcohol and medications. 

References: 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), State Operations Manual (SOM) 

• Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes, CMS 

• Guidelines for Safe Consumption of Alcohol in Long-Term Care Facilities, CMS