Improper Disposal of Resident Medication Observed
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to properly dispose of medication for one resident. Facility policy required that discontinued medications and those left after a resident's discharge be destroyed in accordance with federal and state regulations, including the removal and shredding of identifying information and destruction of the medication in a designated receptacle. However, during an observation, a bubble pack card containing four desmopressin tablets with a resident's name was found on the ground near the facility's dumpster. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that medications should not be disposed of in this manner and should instead be placed in a destruction bucket or discard bin within the medication room. The resident involved had a diagnosis of overactive bladder and was cognitively intact, as indicated by a BIMS score of 13. The medication in question was an active order for desmopressin acetate tablets. Staff, including the Dietary Manager, RN, DON, and Executive Director, all acknowledged that the observed disposal method did not align with facility policy or safe medication destruction practices. The improper disposal was directly observed by surveyors and confirmed through staff interviews.