Failure to Properly Store and Dispose of Discontinued Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure discontinued medications were stored and disposed of according to its policy, which requires that expired, discontinued, or unneeded medications be promptly removed from active stock, inventoried by two licensed nurses, and destroyed in an authorized collection receptacle within three business days. Observations revealed that multiple discontinued medications for five sampled residents were found improperly stored in a medication room drawer, including topical ointments, powders, insulin pens, and oral tablets. These medications were not recorded on the Certificate of Inventory and Destruction (CID) log, nor were they disposed of in the authorized collection receptacle as required. Interviews with nursing staff and the Assistant Director of Nurses (ADON) confirmed that discontinued medications were not properly discarded or documented for the affected residents. In some cases, medications belonging to deceased or discharged residents remained in the facility instead of being returned to families or destroyed. The ADON acknowledged that the medications found were not listed on the medication log and had not been disposed of according to policy, confirming a lapse in control and accountability for discontinued medications.