Failure to Secure Medication Storage and Lock Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications and biologicals were stored securely and in accordance with professional standards. During an observation of the central supply room, a CNA, who was the designated supply room designee, was found to have access to and dispense medications such as Thera Antifungal Body Powder, Hydrocortisone Cream, Zinc Oxide ointment, and Triple Antibiotic Ointments to nurses upon request. These medications were stored on an open metal shelf in the central supply room, accessible to non-licensed staff. The DON confirmed that these medications should not have been accessible to non-licensed staff and should have been stored in a locked cabinet accessible only to licensed nurses. Additionally, Medication Cart 1 was observed unlocked and unattended in a hallway near the entrance lobby and nurses' station, with residents, visitors, and staff passing by. The cart was not being attended to by any staff at the time of observation. An LVN confirmed that the cart was left unlocked because they had to check on a resident and acknowledged that the cart should be locked at all times when not in use.