Improper Medication Storage and Unsanitary Medication Room
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to properly store medications and maintain a sanitary environment in one of three medication rooms and two of seven medication carts reviewed. During an inspection of the B Unit Medication Room, six opened beverage containers and two personal bags were found on the counter, despite the availability of a staff breakroom for such items. The LPN/Unit Manager confirmed that staff should not keep beverages and bags in the medication room. Additionally, the Director of Nursing acknowledged that there are lockers available for staff belongings on the B-Wing. Further inspection revealed loose tablets in medication carts: two loose tablets were found in the drawer of B wing medication cart 2, and eleven loose tablets were found in the drawer of A wing medication cart 2. The Director of Nursing stated that medication carts are audited monthly for loose tablets. A review of the facility's policy indicated that drugs and biologicals should be stored in their original packaging and that medication storage and preparation areas must be kept clean, safe, and sanitary. The policy also requires that each resident's medications be stored separately to prevent mixing.