Unsecured Medication Found in Resident Dining Area
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified on the second floor nursing unit where a brown pill capsule was found on top of a pantry area next to resident dining tables. The pantry area was not being utilized at the time, and the items present included plastic bags, napkins, a radio, and the pill capsule. Upon observation, a licensed nurse confirmed that the pill resembled a vitamin capsule but did not match any medications dispensed to residents on that unit. Facility policy requires that medications be administered safely and as prescribed, including verifying resident identity, checking medication labels and expiration dates, and ensuring that the medication cart is closed and locked when out of the nurse's sight. The presence of an unaccounted-for pill in a resident-accessible area indicates a failure to maintain a safe environment free of accident hazards and to provide adequate supervision to prevent such incidents.
Plan Of Correction
Staff will be educated to be aware of not leaving medication or any other hazardous material where residents may be able to access them. Supervisor or designee will audit dining rooms before and after each meal to ensure area is clean and free of hazards. Audits will be conducted 3 times a week for 4 weeks then weekly for 3 months.