Failure to Securely Store Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the safe and secure storage of medications for one resident, as required by facility policy and professional standards. On two separate occasions, a Lidocaine patch and an orange pill (identified as Calcium Carbonate) were observed unsecured on the resident's nightstand and bedside table, rather than being stored in locked compartments or under the direct observation of staff during medication administration. These medications remained accessible in the resident's room until brought to the attention of a registered nurse, who then removed them. Review of the medication administration record confirmed active orders for both medications, and facility policy mandates that all drugs and biologicals be stored in locked compartments or under direct staff supervision during medication pass.