Medication Storage and Security Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the storage and security of drugs and biologicals in the facility. In the medication rooms on two separate wings, food and personal items such as an opened protein drink, unlabeled water bottles, tumblers, mugs, jackets, a backpack, and a purse were found stored alongside or near medications. The medication refrigerator contained a non-medical drink with no resident label, and the shelves were stained with residue. Additional issues included sticky and stained surfaces in the medication rooms, unlabeled and possibly expired medication containers, and personal belongings stored in areas designated for medication storage. Staff interviewed were unable to identify the owners of many of these items or explain the presence of residue and stains, and there was no policy provided for the storage of personal belongings in medication rooms. In a separate incident, a medication cart was observed left unlocked and unattended in a hallway outside a resident's room, with no licensed staff in the immediate area. A nurse aide was present but did not alert the responsible LPN, who later stated she had left the cart unlocked when responding to assist a resident. The facility's policy requires medication storage and preparation areas to be kept clean, safe, and sanitary, and for medications to be stored securely and separately from food, but these requirements were not met during the observations.