Medication Storage and Security Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's medication storage and handling practices across several halls. Unlocked and unattended medication and treatment carts containing prescription medications were found on multiple occasions, with no staff present in the vicinity. Controlled drugs stored in an emergency drug kit were not kept in a permanently affixed compartment as required, and staff were unaware of proper storage protocols. Additionally, medications, including IV antibiotics and various oral medications, were left unattended on top of medication carts during administration, and staff admitted to forgetting to lock the carts or mistakenly believing it was acceptable due to the presence of a surveyor. Further observations revealed that medication carts were not maintained in a clean condition, with sticky, gummy residue found in the drawers of carts on different halls. Staff interviews confirmed that nurses are responsible for cleaning the carts and that medication carts should be locked and not left unattended. The facility's own policy requires that medication storage areas be locked or attended by authorized personnel and kept clean and organized, but these procedures were not consistently followed as evidenced by the survey findings.