Failure to Secure Medications and Lock Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) failed to properly secure medications on a medication cart in Hall E. During a medication pass, a medication cup containing a tan pill was left on top of the unlocked medication cart while the LVN assisted a resident in the bathroom. The LVN then left the cart unlocked and unattended again while administering medications to another resident in a different room. The LVN admitted to being distracted and acknowledged that the pill was an extra dose that should have been destroyed, and that medications should not be left unsecured or on top of the cart. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that leaving the medication cart unlocked could allow unauthorized access to medications, and stated that staff are trained to keep carts locked and medications secured at all times. Facility policy requires all medications and biologicals to be securely stored in locked cabinets or carts, inaccessible to residents and visitors. The observed actions were not in compliance with this policy.