Medication Storage and Security Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure medications were stored securely and were inaccessible to unauthorized personnel, visitors, and residents. During an observation of medication administration on the 800-hall, a thermal cooler was found on top of a medication cart with a bottle of over-the-counter medication labeled Lacto Probiotic. The staff member indicated that the Lacto Probiotic was left unattended on the cart because it needed to be refrigerated during the medication pass. This indicates a failure to adhere to the facility's policy that requires medications to be stored safely and securely. Additionally, on the 200-hall, a medication cart was left unlocked and unattended while a staff member administered insulin to a resident. The cart was moved from the resident's doorway to the nursing station for verification of the insulin amount, and then back to the area outside the resident's room. During the administration of the insulin, the cart was not visible to the staff, leaving it unsecured. The facility's policy mandates that medication carts be locked when not in direct view of the nurse administering medication, which was not followed in this instance.
Plan Of Correction
1. Identified medications were relocated to an appropriate storage area. 2. Director of Nursing/Designee have completed a review of medication carts to ensure medications were stored in a safe manner and inaccessible to unauthorized personnel. Follow up based on findings. 3. Staff Development Coordinator/Designee has completed education with licensed nurses related to medication storage standards. 4. Director of Nursing/Staff Development Coordinator/Unit Manager/Designee to observe medication carts to verify medications are stored in a safe manner and inaccessible to unauthorized personnel daily x 2 weeks, 3 x/ week x 2 weeks, weekly x 4, then monthly as needed or until substantial compliance is achieved. Findings to be reviewed during the monthly Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Committee Meeting. Modifications implemented as indicated.