Failure to Maintain Cleanliness of Liquid Medication Bottles in Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services that ensured the proper storage and cleanliness of liquid medications in one of three medication carts checked. During an observation, dried drippings were found on bottles of Lactulose Solution and ProHeal Liquid Protein in the medication cart on the 300 hall. Staff interviews confirmed that nurses and medication aides were responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the medication carts and their contents. The Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), and other nursing staff all stated that medication carts and bottles were to be cleaned daily and after each use, with regular monitoring by supervisory staff. Despite these stated responsibilities and monitoring practices, the presence of dried drippings on medication bottles indicated a lapse in maintaining the required standards of cleanliness. The facility's policy required nursing staff to keep medication storage and preparation areas clean, safe, and sanitary, but did not specifically address the maintenance of medication bottles. The deficiency was identified through direct observation and corroborated by staff interviews, highlighting a failure to adhere to established procedures for medication storage and cleanliness.