Improper Storage and Labeling of Medications and Treatments
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to properly store resident medications and treatments on one of two nursing units. During observation of a resident's room, a tube of Triamcinolone Acetonide cream, Vitamin A&D ointment, and Dermacerin cream were found on top of the resident's nightstand. The resident stated that staff applied these creams and that he did not place them there. Facility policy requires all medications to be stored in the pharmacy or medication rooms according to manufacturer’s recommendations and in locked compartments under proper temperature controls. The Director of Nursing confirmed that these items should not have been stored on the nightstand. Additionally, two medication carts on the same nursing unit were observed to contain unsecured and unidentified medication tablets in the bottom drawers, including various colored and shaped pills. One cart also contained a partially used tube of Diclofenac cream that was not labeled with a resident identifier. These findings were confirmed in meetings with the Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing. The facility’s failure to store drugs and biologicals in accordance with policy and regulatory requirements was identified through clinical record review, policy review, observation, and staff and resident interviews.