Medication Storage, Labeling, and Security Deficiencies Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's medication storage and labeling practices. Medication carts in the B wing and near the nurses' station were found unlocked and unattended, with one cart displaying resident information on an open computer screen facing the hallway. Staff interviews confirmed that medication carts should be locked when not attended and that resident information should not be left visible. Additionally, several medication cards, including schedule two narcotics, were found unsecured in an unlocked desk drawer at the nurses' station, rather than in a locked area as required by facility policy. Staff acknowledged that these medications had been delivered from the pharmacy and should have been secured until counted at shift change. Further deficiencies were identified in the E wing medication cart, which contained multiple medications that were open and undated, including insulin vials, artificial tears, inhalers, and nasal sprays. Some medications lacked resident names, and at least one bottle of vitamin C was expired. Staff confirmed that these medications were not labeled or dated appropriately and that expired medications were present. The D wing medication storage room also contained numerous expired medical supplies and medications, as well as an unlabeled pill container with unknown contents and no resident identification. Facility policies reviewed by surveyors required that all drugs and biologicals be stored in locked compartments, with controlled substances in separately locked areas, and that medications be properly labeled and dated. Interviews with the Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing confirmed that the observed practices did not align with facility protocols, as medications and resident information were not properly secured, and expired or unlabeled items were not removed from storage.