Failure to Properly Store, Label, and Secure Medications and Supplies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's medication management practices, including improper storage, labeling, and disposal of medications and medical supplies. In the medication storage room, numerous unopened bottles of over-the-counter medications and supplements were found to be expired, such as B Complex, B-12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Fish Oil, and liquid Iron. The emergency cart contained six expired Suction, Catheter, and Glove Kits. On the Flagship medication cart, several opened bottles of medication lacked documentation of the date opened and the date for disposal. Additionally, both the Flagship medication cart and a treatment cart were left unlocked and unattended for approximately half an hour, allowing potential unauthorized access to medications and supplies. Further observations revealed that medication carts were not consistently secured when not in use. On one occasion, a bottle of probiotics requiring refrigeration was left on an ice pack on the medication cart, which was then locked and left unattended by an LPN. The medication remained unsecured on the cart until the nurse returned. Staff interviews confirmed that the expectation was to keep medication and treatment carts locked when not in direct use, but this was not consistently practiced. These actions and inactions resulted in medications and medical supplies being improperly stored, labeled, and secured, contrary to facility policy and accepted professional standards.