Stellar Care Center failed to provide Prostat to residents from August 28 through September 8, according to federal inspection records. Nursing notes showed no evidence that physicians were notified about the shortage or that alternative treatments were offered.
The medication gap affected multiple residents at the 47045 Moore Ridge Road facility, inspectors found during a complaint investigation completed September 30.
CNA #79, who orders supplies for the facility, told inspectors she places orders every Thursday. About three weeks before the inspection, she had placed a large order that included Prostat, expecting delivery the following Wednesday or Thursday.
"Part of the order came to the facility, but Prostat did not," she said during a September 15 interview. She contacted the procurement person to report the missing medication.
The nursing assistant said she specifically ensured Prostat was on the order but acknowledged that "sometimes orders will get declined." After waiting for the delayed shipment, she placed a new order. The Prostat finally arrived a day later.
"They did not receive the Prostat for over a week," she told inspectors.
Resident #24 was among those affected by the shortage. Nursing notes confirmed this resident went without Prostat from August 28 through September 8. Inspectors found no documentation that physicians were informed about the unavailable medication or that staff explored alternative treatments.
The facility's handling of the medication shortage violated federal requirements for pharmaceutical services in nursing homes. Regulations require facilities to ensure residents receive their prescribed medications and to coordinate with physicians when drugs are unavailable.
Federal inspectors investigated the deficiency as part of multiple complaints filed against Stellar Care Center. The violation falls under Master Complaint Number 2624018, which encompasses five separate complaint numbers: 2623116, 2618783, 1398689, and 1398688.
The inspection classified the violation as causing "minimal harm or potential for actual harm" affecting "some" residents. However, the gap in prescribed medication lasted 12 days for documented residents, with no medical oversight during the shortage period.
CNA #79's acknowledgment that orders "sometimes get declined" suggests supply chain disruptions may be ongoing at the facility. Her role as the primary person responsible for ordering medical supplies places significant responsibility on a certified nursing assistant rather than pharmacy or administrative staff.
The nursing assistant's account reveals a reactive rather than proactive approach to medication management. She waited for the delayed shipment rather than immediately seeking alternatives when the expected delivery failed to arrive.
Nursing notes from the affected period provided no indication that staff attempted to contact physicians about the shortage or discuss interim treatment options. This lack of communication left doctors unaware that their patients were not receiving prescribed therapy.
The violation occurred during a period when Stellar Care Center faced multiple complaints requiring federal investigation. The clustering of complaint numbers suggests broader operational issues at the Woodsfield facility.
Prostat, the medication that was unavailable, requires consistent administration for effectiveness. The 12-day gap in treatment could compromise therapeutic outcomes for affected residents, particularly those relying on the medication for chronic conditions.
The facility's pharmaceutical services deficiency highlights systemic problems with medication management protocols. Proper procedures would require immediate physician notification when prescribed drugs become unavailable, along with exploration of alternative treatments or temporary substitutions.
Federal regulations mandate that nursing homes maintain adequate pharmaceutical services and ensure residents receive their prescribed medications as ordered by physicians. The Stellar Care Center violation demonstrates failure on both requirements.
The inspection report provides no indication that facility administrators were aware of the medication shortage during the 12-day period. This suggests inadequate oversight of pharmaceutical services and supply chain management.
Resident #24 and others affected by the Prostat shortage experienced a significant gap in their prescribed medical treatment, with no documented medical supervision or alternative interventions during the unavailable period.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Stellar Care Center from 2025-09-30 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.