Improper Storage and Security of Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the proper storage and security of medications and biologicals. On one unit, an LPN was found to have placed an unlabeled and uncovered medicine cup of pills in a medication cart drawer after preparing them for a resident who was not present. The LPN could not recall which resident the medications were for, and the same drawer contained a bottle of Aspirin with an expired manufacturer date. In the medication room, staff food was found stored in the refrigerator alongside medication administration supplies, and a multidose vial of Aplisol was kept beyond the recommended 30-day use period after opening. The LPN present was unaware of the proper storage duration for the vial. Additional observations on the secured memory care unit revealed medication carts left unlocked and unattended in areas accessible to residents, with no nurse providing direct supervision. On two separate occasions, medication carts were found unlocked, and staff returned only after being prompted. Items not related to medication administration, such as applesauce, a gold watch, and a cell phone, were found stored in the medication cart drawers and narcotic box. Staff could not identify the owners of some of these items or explain why they were stored with medications and medical supplies. Interviews with the Director of Nursing confirmed that staff food should not be stored in medication room refrigerators, and that medication carts should always be locked when not directly supervised by nursing staff. The DON also stated that resident belongings should not be stored in medication carts except in specific circumstances, such as money being temporarily secured. The observations and staff interviews demonstrated a lack of adherence to facility policy and accepted professional standards for medication storage and security.