Improper Labeling and Storage of Medications
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances where drugs and biologicals were not properly labeled or stored according to professional standards. On several occasions, topical medications such as clotrimazole, betamethasone diphenhydramine, and hydrogel were found left on a resident's nightstand, accessible to both the resident and their roommate. The resident, who had moderate cognitive impairment and required maximal assistance with activities of daily living, stated that staff left the medications in the room for wound care. The Director of Nursing was informed of these findings but did not provide further information at the time. Additionally, during inspections of two medication carts, surveyors found loose pills in medication cups, insulin pens labeled only with first names or initials and lacking administration instructions, and a probiotic bottle labeled with only initials. Staff interviews confirmed that some medications were left in the carts after resident refusals or were brought in by residents themselves. These observations demonstrated a failure to ensure that medications were consistently labeled and securely stored as required.