Failure to Maintain Medication Cart Cleanliness and Timely Disposal of Expired Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper cleaning and disposal of loose medications in one medication cart, as observed during an inspection of the North Hall medication cart. Thirteen loose pills of various shapes, colors, and sizes were found scattered in the drawers of the cart. Interviews with nursing staff and review of facility policy revealed that nurses are expected to clean the cart and discard any loose medications, with the midnight shift specifically assigned this responsibility. However, the presence of loose pills indicated that this procedure was not followed as required by facility policy. Additionally, the facility did not dispose of expired medications in a timely manner. During an inspection of the medication storage rooms, expired medications, including Geri Lanta and Benadryl, were found. The DON confirmed that medication supply staff are responsible for checking and removing expired medications, with weekly and monthly checks expected. Facility policy states that expired medications should be reported to the nurse manager, but the expired items remained in storage, indicating a lapse in adherence to established protocols.