Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medication carts on two separate halls were not properly secured and medications were not properly stored or labeled. On one hall, a medication cart was found unlocked and unattended between resident rooms, and an LPN confirmed leaving it in that state while attending to duties elsewhere. On another hall, three medication carts were inspected: one cart contained seven medication cups pre-filled with medications, labeled only with first names and room numbers, including two cups with the same first name but different room numbers. Additionally, two other carts contained numerous loose, unlabeled, and unpackaged tablets in various drawers. These findings were confirmed by staff present at the time of observation. Interviews with staff, including the DON, confirmed that medication carts should be locked when unsupervised, medications should not be pre-set, and all drugs must be stored in their original packaging with proper labeling. The facility's policy requires all drugs and biologicals to be stored securely, in their original containers, and properly labeled, with each resident's medications kept separate to prevent mixing. The observed practices did not comply with these requirements, affecting all residents on the 100 and 200 halls.