Improper Storage of Medications in Unsecured Area
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure proper storage of resident medications, as observed when delivery boxes containing various stock medications were found sitting on the floor in the Environmental Services closet. The medications included A&D Ointment, aspirin, folic acid, probiotic, Voltaren Gel, Allegra, niacin, and Senna-Plus. According to interviews with administrative staff, medications were supposed to be taken directly to the medication room upon delivery and stored either in the medication cart or medication room, not in other locations. The facility's policy, dated 11/20, required all drugs and biologicals to be stored in a safe, secure, and orderly manner. The observed practice of leaving medication boxes in an unsecured area outside the designated medication storage locations was inconsistent with both facility policy and accepted professional principles. This practice was identified during a survey when the facility census was 26 residents across two halls.