Failure to Secure and Label Medications and Insulin in Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure proper labeling, storage, and security of drugs and biologicals. An unlocked and unattended medication cart was found in the east hall, containing various medications including Talzenna, Gabapentin, and narcotics stored in a lock box. Additionally, the east treatment cart contained an opened Novolog insulin vial that had expired, as well as Tresiba and Lantus insulin pens that were not dated when opened, making it impossible for staff to determine their expiration. Interviews with staff confirmed that medication carts should be locked when unattended and that insulin pens are expected to be dated upon opening, in accordance with facility policy. The facility's policy also requires all medications and biologics to be kept in locked compartments, with scheduled two medications under double lock, but these procedures were not consistently followed.