Failure to Securely Store Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that medications and biologicals were securely stored on two of three nursing units. On the second and third floor nursing units, surveyors observed unsecured medications and treatment supplies in multiple locations. Specifically, in one resident room, two bottles of iodoform gauze, an opened bottle of normal saline solution without a cap, and a tube of anti-fungal cream were found on a bedside table. In the second floor dining room, a box of Frosty Heat Lidocaine patches was left on a window sill. Additionally, on the third floor, the treatment cart was found unlocked and unattended in the hallway with a tube of medicated cream on top, accessible to anyone nearby. These observations demonstrate that the facility did not adhere to requirements for the secure storage of drugs and biologicals, as medications and treatment items were left unattended and accessible in resident and common areas.