Medication Storage, Labeling, and Security Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Multiple deficiencies were identified regarding the storage, labeling, and security of medications and biologicals. Observations revealed that prescription creams and medications were left out in resident rooms, including a tube of Triamcinolone Cream on a bathroom counter and Ammonium Lactate cream on a bedside table, along with medicine cups containing unidentified creams. Additionally, an unlocked office labeled 'Nurse Supervisor' was found with prescription medications, iodoform packing, and wound cleanser left unsecured and accessible, with the door open and no staff present on multiple occasions. Audits of medication carts uncovered further issues, such as narcotics stored correctly in a separate locked compartment, but with personal items like hearing aids, chargers, money, and a cell phone stored alongside medications. Loose medication capsules and medication cups with unidentified pills were found in drawers, and staff were unable to identify or account for these medications. Opened glucose test strips were found undated in multiple carts, and staff acknowledged that these should be dated upon opening. In one instance, a medication refused by a resident was improperly disposed of in a trash can instead of following the facility's disposal protocol. Interviews with staff and the DON confirmed that these practices were not in accordance with facility policy or professional standards. Staff admitted to not knowing the origin or intended use of some medications found, and the DON acknowledged that medications and personal items should not be stored together, and that medications should not be left unsecured or improperly disposed of. The facility's policy requires all medications and biologicals to be stored in locked compartments and for medication storage areas to be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner, which was not consistently followed.