Medication Labeling, Storage, and Security Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to ensure proper labeling and timely disposal of medications, as well as secure storage of medication carts. During review of two medication carts, it was observed that open pens of Aspart Insulin and Victoza did not have dates indicating when they were opened, making it impossible for staff to determine appropriate discard dates. Additionally, an open bottle of loratadine tablets was found to be past its expiration date. Staff interviews confirmed that these medications should have been discarded and that the required labeling and dating procedures were not followed according to facility policy and manufacturer guidelines. Further observations revealed that an LPN prepared medications from a cart parked in the hallway and then entered a resident's room to administer the medications, leaving the cart unlocked and out of view. The LPN confirmed that the cart was left unsecured while out of sight, which is contrary to facility policy requiring medication carts to be locked when not in direct view of the administering nurse. These findings demonstrate lapses in medication management and security protocols as required by facility policy and state regulations.