I spoke with the head nurse this morning at dad's AL. She informed me that his doc (whom his hasn't physically seen in 18 months) has discountined his daily prescription of Tramadol. He now can only take it as needed. State of WI rules about class 2 substances changed April 1, 2017. Dad has been in hospice care due to terminal prostate cancer as well as having advanced dementia since May 2017. Tramadol was started June 1st. Now the staff has to watch him for cues if he is in pain. Then tramadol can be given as needed. If you ask dad if he is in pain he always says no. He has lost close to 35 pounds mainly since August and at 6 ft he is about 150#. Hospice is an exclusion to the class 2 rules. As I'm his DPOA can I call his doctor and discuss this prescription change?
You've got a good DON!
Call the 24 hour hospice number right now.