Failure to Secure and Properly Store Medications on Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to properly secure and store medications on multiple medication carts. Specifically, one medication cart was found unlocked and unattended outside a resident's room, which was confirmed by both a registered nurse and the director of nursing. Additionally, medications on three separate carts were observed to be either not dated upon opening or expired, including albuterol nebulizers, timolol eye drops, and albuterol inhalers for several residents. These findings were confirmed by interviews with licensed practical nurses responsible for the carts. Facility policy requires that all medications be stored in a safe, secure, and orderly manner, with compartments locked when not in use. The surveyors' observations and staff confirmations demonstrated that these policies were not followed, resulting in medications being improperly stored and unsecured. The deficiencies were cited under relevant state codes for pharmacy and nursing services, as well as the responsibility of the licensee.