Medication Security and Expired Medication Management Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies related to medication management within the facility. On the second floor, an unlocked and unattended medication cart was found at the beginning of Unit B - Transitional Care Unit. The cart remained unsecured for an extended period while the responsible LPN was away from the area. The LPN acknowledged that the cart should have been locked when unattended. Additionally, on the first floor, an expired eight-ounce bottle of Hibiclens was found in a medication cart during an inspection. The LPN present confirmed the medication was expired and should have been discarded, noting that all medication cart nurses are responsible for checking and disposing of expired items. Further inspection of the second floor medication room revealed an open, undated bottle of Tubersol solution in the medication refrigerator. The Nurse Manager confirmed that Tubersol is only valid for 30 days after opening and, without a date, should have been discarded. The DON also stated that undated Tubersol should be thrown away if the date of opening is unknown. These findings demonstrate failures in securing medication carts, timely disposal of expired medications, and proper dating of opened injectable medications.