Unlabeled and Unsecured Medications Found Unattended
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure all drugs and biologicals were labeled and stored according to professional standards. During the survey, two separate medication cups containing tablets were found on top of a medication cart, each labeled only with room numbers and not with resident names. These cups were left unattended, with no staff present in the area. Additionally, a treatment cart was found unlocked and unattended, with a tube of Nystatin cream and a tube of Fungal cream lying on top of it, also out of staff view. A review of the facility's medication administration policy revealed that while it addressed the seven rights of medication administration, it did not include language regarding medication security or labeling requirements. Interviews with an LPN and the Administrator confirmed that the expectation is for medication carts to be locked when unattended and for medications not to be left out or unlabeled, as this could allow unauthorized access.