Improper Medication Labeling and Insecure Storage of Controlled Substances
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were labeled and stored according to professional standards in one of two medication rooms and two of three medication carts reviewed. Specifically, two open bottles of lidocaine injectable solution, seven insulin kwik pens, and multiple inhalers were found without open or expiration dates. Additionally, one inhaler lacked a resident name, and several insulin pens were not labeled with expiration dates as required by facility policy. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness regarding medication expiration after opening, and the facility's own policy mandates that multi-dose containers be labeled with the date opened and expiration date. Further observations revealed that the second-floor medication room's narcotic box had both inside and outside locks broken, leaving it unsecured for several weeks. On the first floor, narcotic boxes were inaccessible due to missing keys, resulting in narcotics being stored on medication carts instead of in locked compartments. Staff interviews confirmed that the narcotic box was not used due to a previous disagreement about the medication room's location, and that maintenance was aware of the broken locks but had not yet completed repairs. These findings demonstrate noncompliance with regulations requiring proper labeling and secure storage of medications, including controlled substances.