Medication Storage and Security Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and labeling of drugs and biologicals as required by professional standards and its own policies. During an observation, a resident with a below-the-knee amputation was found with a medicine cup containing an unidentified dark liquid on her nightstand; the resident was unaware of its contents. The DON later identified the liquid as Betadine, a prescribed antiseptic solution, and acknowledged it should not have been kept at the bedside. Additionally, expired medications were found in two separate medication carts during inspections with nursing staff, including a bottle of instant hand sanitizer and a bottle of Curad iodoform packing strip, both past their expiration dates. Staff verified the presence of these expired items. Further, the facility did not ensure that medication carts were securely locked when unattended. An LVN was observed leaving a medication cart unlocked while administering medications in a resident's room, which was confirmed by the staff member. The DON acknowledged these findings during an interview. These actions and inactions demonstrate a failure to adhere to the facility's policies and regulatory requirements for safe and secure medication storage.