Failure to Maintain Accurate Narcotic Drug Records
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that narcotic drug records were properly maintained and that an account of all controlled drugs was accurately kept for all four medication carts reviewed. During the review of narcotic log books on multiple medication carts across both the South and North halls, it was found that staff did not sign to verify the accuracy of the narcotic count on numerous occasions. Specifically, there were multiple instances where required signatures were missing, with counts ranging from 36 to 94 missed signatures out of 180 to 186 counting opportunities per log book. At the time of the survey, the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) confirmed the absence of required signatures in the narcotic log books and acknowledged that the narcotic count should always be verified and signed by two nurses or Certified Medication Aides (CMAs). The lack of proper verification and documentation was observed and confirmed during the survey process.