Unsecured Medications Left in Unoccupied Room
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that in one unoccupied room, a syringe of normal saline 0.9% and a syringe of heparin 500 units per 5 ml were left on a bedside table. The room's previous resident had been discharged to the hospital the prior week. Staff interviews confirmed that these medications were house stock and should not have been left unsecured in the room. The LVN assigned to the area was unsure how or why the medications were left there, but acknowledged that all medications should be stored in the medication room or cart, not at the bedside. Further interviews with the ADON, DON, and Administrator confirmed that facility policy requires all medications to be stored securely and never left in resident rooms, especially after discharge. Staff recognized that leaving medications unsecured could allow access by other residents. A review of the facility's medication storage policy indicated that all drugs and biologicals must be stored in a safe, secure, and orderly manner, and not left in resident rooms.