Improper Storage of Controlled Medication in Unlocked Refrigerator
Penalty
No penalty information released
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Summary
Surveyors observed that a controlled medication, Lorazepam oral concentrate, prescribed to a resident with multiple diagnoses including cerebral infarction, hypothyroidism, seizure disorder, heart failure, vascular dementia, and dysphagia, was stored improperly in an unlocked refrigerator in the medication room. The facility's policy requires that controlled substances needing refrigeration be kept in a locked box attached inside the refrigerator. During the inspection, the Lorazepam was found accessible without the required additional security. The DON confirmed that Lorazepam is a controlled medication and acknowledged that it should have been stored in a locked box or locked refrigerator, as per facility policy and regulations.