Medications Left at Bedside for Unlicensed Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse left two medication cups containing multiple pills, including Tylenol, Parkinson's medication, antihistamine, neuropathy medication, stool softener, and laxative, on the overbed table of a male resident with Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, mixed anxiety disorders, and neuralgia. The resident's spouse was observed assisting with lunch and stated that the nurse routinely left medications for her to administer with the meal. The nurse confirmed she had left the medications with the spouse, and the unit manager and Director of Nursing both acknowledged that medications should not be left at the bedside and should be administered by licensed staff. Facility policy requires that only licensed or permitted individuals prepare, administer, and document medication administration.