Failure to Maintain Proper Infection Control in Medication Storage
Penalty
Summary
During a review of the facility's medication storage policy, it was found that medications should be stored with separation based on route of administration, specifically keeping internally administered medications apart from those used externally, such as ointments and creams. However, an observation of the treatment cart in the Two North Medication room revealed that treatment supplies and medications were stored haphazardly, without separation by resident or route of administration. Items such as Santyl ointments, zinc oxide paste, Voltaren cream, various gauze and dressing supplies, wound cleansers, antifungal sprays and powders, and other personal care items were intermixed in the drawers of the cart. An LPN confirmed that the treatment cart was in daily use and acknowledged the lack of separation in storage, which could lead to cross-contamination between residents. The DON and Administrator in Training also confirmed the failure to maintain infection control practices in the storage of medications and biologicals for one of two treatment carts. The deficiency was cited under relevant Pennsylvania Codes for responsibility of the licensee, management, and resident care policies.