Failure to Properly Label and Secure Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances where medications and biologicals were not properly labeled or securely stored. On one occasion, a medication cart was found unlocked in the dining room with an insulin pen placed on top, and the cart contained a box with several residents' insulin pens, needles, and a glucose monitor. Additionally, the medication refrigerator contained an opened, undated vial of tuberculin test serum. Another medication cart was found unsecured in the commons area. These observations were confirmed by staff interviews, where it was stated that medication carts should never be left unattended and that insulin pens and needles must be locked when not in use. Facility policy requires that medications and biologicals be stored safely, securely, and properly, accessible only to authorized personnel. Staff interviews further confirmed that medication carts should be locked at all times and that keys should be kept on the person of the responsible staff member. The failure to follow these procedures resulted in medications and biologicals being accessible in unsecured areas, contrary to facility policy and accepted professional standards.