Medication Storage, Labeling, and Administration Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies related to the storage, labeling, and administration of medications. One resident was found sitting in a wheelchair with a medication cup containing pills and a loose pill on the table, while the assigned RN was distracted and not directly supervising the resident. The RN did not immediately notice the loose pill until prompted by the surveyor. The facility's policy and the DON confirmed that nurses are required to observe residents taking their medications, which was not followed in this instance. Additional observations included improper storage and labeling of medications in the medication cart. Discontinued and unlabelled medications were found stored with active medications, including controlled substances not being properly counted or removed after discontinuation or resident discharge. The DON confirmed that these medications should have been removed and disposed of according to facility policy, but this was not done. These actions and inactions resulted in medications not being stored, labeled, or administered in accordance with professional standards.