Failure to Timely Dispose of Controlled Substance After Resident Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a controlled substance was disposed of according to acceptable standards of practice for one closed resident record. According to facility policy, discontinued controlled medications are to be removed from the medication cart, stored securely, and destroyed following the controlled medication destruction procedure. However, during an observation of the medication cart, it was found that a controlled substance, Clonazepam (Klonopin) 0.5 mg, prescribed as needed for anxiety, remained in the cart after the resident had been discharged home. The medication was still present and available in the cart, contrary to the facility's policy and standard practice. The resident involved had diagnoses including diabetes, COPD, and panic disorder, and had been discharged home with her son. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident was no longer in the facility, and the DON stated that medications are either discharged with the resident or wasted within a day or two. Despite this, the controlled medication was not removed or disposed of in a timely manner, resulting in non-compliance with pharmacy service regulations.