Medication Carts Left Unlocked and Unattended
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medication carts on Station 2, including both the 2 South and 2 North carts, were left unlocked and unattended in the hallway, with one cart's drawer slightly open and oxygen tubing packets placed on top. At the time of observation, a resident was wandering in the hallway near one of the unlocked carts, while the charge nurse was in the nurses' office and unable to see the carts. Interviews with nursing staff and the Assistant Director of Nursing Services confirmed that facility policy requires medication carts to be locked when not in use or out of the nurse's direct view. Review of the facility's medication storage policy further indicated that only licensed nursing personnel should have access to locked medication carts, which are to remain locked at all times when not in use or in direct view.