Unattended Unlocked Treatment Cart Found Accessible to Resident
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that treatment cart #1 was left unlocked and unattended, with all drawers accessible and supplies such as bandages, gauze, and scissors easily reachable. During this time, a resident in a wheelchair was seen within approximately five feet of the unattended cart. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed during an interview and observation that the cart was unlocked and unattended, stating that a staff member had just stepped away. The DON also acknowledged that her expectation was for the treatment cart to be locked when not in use to prevent unauthorized access. A review of the facility's policy on Medication Access and Storage indicated that all drugs and biologicals are to be stored in locked compartments, accessible only to licensed nursing personnel, pharmacy personnel, or staff lawfully authorized to administer medications. The policy further specifies that medication carts and supplies must be locked or attended by authorized persons at all times. The observed failure to lock the treatment cart while unattended was not in accordance with this policy.