Unattended and Unlocked Treatment Cart on 600 Unit
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to secure a wound care treatment cart on the 600 Unit, leaving it unlocked and unattended on multiple occasions. Observations revealed that the cart contained wound care items such as mineral oil, tweezers, and scissors, and was left open without staff present in the area. This occurred on at least two separate occasions, as documented during surveyor rounds. Interviews with staff, including a registered nurse, a certified medication technician, and the director of nursing, confirmed that it was the responsibility of nursing staff to ensure the treatment cart was locked when not in use. All interviewed staff acknowledged that the cart should not be left unlocked and unattended, yet the practice was observed more than once, affecting the entire 600 Unit.