Improper Storage and Labeling of Bedside Medication
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's medication, specifically an inhaler, was found on top of the bedside table without a name or open date visible. The resident stated she was permitted to keep the inhaler at her bedside. Upon inquiry, an LPN confirmed that while some residents are allowed to have medications at bedside, she would need to verify if there was an order for this. Further interviews revealed that all medications should be kept in their original packaging, which includes the resident's name, medication name, instructions, and the date opened, and should be stored in the package for infection control purposes. The DON also stated that medications kept at bedside should remain in pharmacy-provided packaging with proper labeling. The resident involved had multiple diagnoses, including multiple sclerosis, COPD, epilepsy, muscle weakness, diabetes, and asthma, and had an active physician order for an albuterol inhaler to be kept at bedside. However, the self-administration of medications assessment had not been completed at the time of the observation, and the inhaler was not stored according to facility policy or manufacturer/supplier recommendations. Facility policy requires that medications for bedside storage be kept in containers dispensed by the pharmacy, with appropriate labeling and documentation, which was not followed in this instance.