Failure to Securely Store Medications Across Multiple Units
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to ensure proper storage and security of drugs and biologicals on three of seven resident care units. Specifically, 218 blister packs of resident-specific prescription medications were found left on a counter and in unlocked cabinets behind the North One nurses' station. An LPN confirmed these were overflow medications that did not fit into the medication carts and acknowledged that the cabinets did not have a key, stating that medications should be stored in a locked area. Additionally, a five-drawer medication/treatment cart containing dozens of topical prescription medications was observed unlocked in the North Two hallway. Further observations revealed that the South One medication storage room was left unlocked with no staff present, and a resident was seen ambulating nearby. Inside the room, the medication refrigerator containing multiple medications was also unlocked, and several blister packs of prescription medications were left on the counter. Two medication/treatment carts in the South One hallway were also found unlocked and open, containing dozens of oral and topical prescription medications. The DON confirmed that all medications, including topicals, should be locked in a medication or treatment cart, cabinet, or medication room.