Improper Medication Storage and Labeling in Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that two of four medication carts contained medications that were not stored according to professional standards and facility policy. Specifically, an unrefrigerated vial of Lorazepam labeled to be kept refrigerated was found in the narcotic storage area, and several medication bottles, including Geri-Tussin, Milk of Magnesia, Wild Cherry Pro-Stat, Geri-Lanta, and Pepto Bismol Ultra, were found with crusted residue, missing labels, or missing open dates. Additionally, a medicine cup containing two Zofran tablets was found in a cart drawer, not in its original container. These findings were confirmed during interviews with the DON and staff, who acknowledged that these practices were against facility policy and expectations. Further interviews with staff and residents indicated an expectation that medications are prepared and stored in a clean and safe environment. The facility's own policy requires medications to be stored in their original containers, with proper labeling and dating, and for medication storage areas to be kept clean and sanitary. The observed deficiencies demonstrated a failure to adhere to these standards, as evidenced by improper storage, lack of labeling, and unsanitary conditions in the medication carts.