Improper Storage and Labeling of Medications in Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store all drugs and biologicals in a safe, secure, and orderly manner in one of its two medication rooms, specifically the back hall medication room. During an observation, surveyors found a blue tote bag containing a personal cell phone and food items, as well as a green backpack, on the medication room counter. Under the sink, there was an unlocked green tackle box containing various injectable medications, including Benadryl, Glucagon, Lasix, Narcan, and a bottle of nitroglycerin tablets, all with visible expiration dates. Additionally, a bag of lock out tags was present in the same area. On a shelf above the sink, a brown paper bag was found containing unlabeled medication samples, including multiple boxes of Vraylar and Nuplazid capsules. An LPN confirmed these findings, stating that the tackle box was intended to be returned to the old pharmacy and that the medication samples were provided by a psychiatrist for a resident returning from the hospital, to be used until insurance authorization was obtained. These observations demonstrated that the facility did not adhere to its own policies or accepted pharmaceutical practices regarding the secure and proper storage and labeling of medications and biologicals.