Failure to Properly Label Over-the-Counter Medications on Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly label over-the-counter (OTC) medications on one of two medication carts inspected in the Memory Care unit. Specifically, two boxes of Chloraseptic lozenges for one resident were found without any labeling to identify the resident. For another resident, multiple OTC medications—including Lutein, B6 vitamins, stool softener, Centrum vitamins, magnesium, and allergy relief—were found with incomplete labeling. The bottles were marked only with initials, first names, or lacked any identifying information, and did not include all required details such as the resident's full name, physician name, expiration date, drug name, strength, and directions for use. During an interview, a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) confirmed that OTC medications should be labeled with the resident's first and last name, pharmacy provider, open date, drug name, strength, and directions for use. The facility's policy, as provided by the Executive Director, also requires that nonprescription medications be labeled in accordance with Indiana law, which includes the resident's name, physician name, expiration date, drug name, and strength. The observed deficiencies indicate that the facility did not adhere to its own policy or state requirements for medication labeling.