Failure to Separate Internal and External Medications in Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that internal-use medications, such as oral tablets and capsules, were stored directly adjacent to external-use products, including eye drops and enemas, in two medication storage areas within the facility. There was no physical barrier, labeled bin, or designated shelving to separate medications intended for internal administration from those for external use. This storage practice was noted during a tour of the Clamath and another nursing station, where items like Loperamide tablets, Glucosamine Sulfate capsules, and Calcium Citrate tablets were intermixed with Fleet Saline Enema, GenTeal Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, Refresh Plus Eye Drops, and Major Ear Drops. During an interview at the time of observation, the facility's Quality Assessment Nurse acknowledged the improper storage and indicated that this practice had likely been ongoing and unrecognized by staff. The facility's own policy on medication storage specifically requires that internally administered medications be kept separate from externally used medications, but this policy was not being followed as evidenced by the observed storage conditions.