Improper Storage and Handling of Medications and Disposal System
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that drugs and biologicals were not properly stored according to facility policy and accepted professional standards. During an inspection of a medication cart, multiple loose pills were found inside the cart, and a bottle of Drug Buster, used for medication disposal, was noted to have a brown substance on its exterior and on the bottom of the drawer where it was stored. The licensed nurse present confirmed the presence of the loose pills and the brown substance. The Assistant Director of Nursing later stated that the expectation was for loose pills to be destroyed and for any Drug Buster bottle with spilled contents to be discarded. The facility's policy requires nursing staff to maintain medication storage and preparation areas in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner.