Improper Storage of Controlled Substance in Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a medication cart on the 100 hallway was found to have a capsule of Lyrica (pregabalin), a Schedule V controlled substance, stored improperly. The capsule, intended for a specific resident, was discovered in an unmarked medication cup in the upper right drawer of the cart, outside of the required double-locked controlled substance compartment. The medication had been removed from its original blister pack and was not labeled. This was observed during a review of the medication cart and confirmed through staff interviews. Further investigation revealed that a CNA had accidentally removed the Lyrica capsule from its packaging earlier and, instead of discarding it, placed it in a cup to the side in the cart. The CNA admitted to this practice and stated that the medication was not labeled. The DON clarified that the facility's expectation was for any unused or accidentally removed controlled substances to be wasted with a witness and co-signed, and that all controlled substances should be stored in a locked narcotic drawer, as per facility policy and federal regulations.