Unsecured Storage of OTC Medications in Unlocked Office
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure the safe storage of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, as required by professional standards. Multiple bottles and containers of OTC medications, including vitamins, acetaminophen, probiotics, lidocaine patches, and ibuprofen, were observed left unattended and unlocked on a table in an office located at the end of a resident hallway. The Medical Records Director, who also managed central supply, stated she was unpacking medications to refill the medication closet and typically locked the office door when leaving. However, on several occasions, the office door was found open or closed but not locked, with medications still present and unattended. The Medical Records Director admitted to leaving the door unlocked when stepping away for short periods, and the administrator confirmed this was a potential safety issue. Further observations revealed that the only medication room in the building was crowded with tube feeding solutions and other non-medication supplies, limiting available storage space. The Director of Nursing stated that medications, including OTC stock, should not be stored in an unlocked room and expected the Medical Records Director to secure the office when medications were present. No policy on medication storage was provided when requested.