Medication Cart Left Unlocked and Unattended in Hallway
Penalty
Summary
A medication cart on the 200 Hall was observed left unlocked and unattended in the hallway, making medications accessible to residents, visitors, and staff. The state surveyor was able to open drawers on the cart while the assigned RN was in a resident's room checking blood sugar and conversing with the resident. The RN acknowledged that the cart was left unlocked unintentionally when questioned by the surveyor. Review of the RN's employee record showed that she had previously received a one-on-one inservice in March 2025 regarding the requirement to keep medication and treatment carts locked at all times when not in use. The facility's policy also states that unlocked medication carts are not to be left unattended. The Director of Nursing confirmed awareness of the incident and reiterated that medication carts should remain locked when the nurse is not present.