Unattended Medication Left Accessible on Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) was observed administering medications and left an opaque medication cup containing an orange, round pill (identified as Senna, a stool softener) unattended on top of a locked medication cart. During this time, the CMA walked away from the cart and into a resident's room, leaving the medication accessible. A resident in a wheelchair was observed nearby, three doors away from the unattended medication cart. The pill remained on the cart for several minutes while the CMA was away. Facility policy requires that all medications be secured in a locked medication cart, drawer, or cupboard, and not left accessible when staff are not present. The CMA confirmed that the medication should have been disposed of and not left unattended. The Director of Nursing (DON) also stated that medications should be secured in the medication cart or appropriately disposed of, and not left unattended.