Improper Storage and Unauthorized Use of Medications
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that drugs and biologicals were not properly stored for two residents. For one resident, a bottle of Dakin's Solution, a pharmacy-grade bleach solution used for wound care, was found on the resident's dresser in their room on two consecutive days. Nursing staff confirmed that this medication should have been stored on the treatment cart and secured, not left in the resident's room. For another resident, a container of Desitin cream was repeatedly observed on a shelf next to the resident's bedside, even when the resident was not present. The resident reported that her family had provided the cream due to a lack of supply and that staff applied it during incontinence care. However, there was no physician order for the Desitin cream in the resident's medical record. Staff interviews confirmed that the cream was being applied without an order and that management was unaware it was being brought in and used. Facility policy requires that medications and biologicals be stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel.