Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies related to the storage and labeling of medications. During an inspection of a medication cart, a loose, unlabeled white tablet was found at the bottom of a drawer containing blister packs. The nurse present acknowledged that medication carts should not contain loose or unlabeled medications. Additionally, a medication cart was found unlocked and unattended at a nursing station, which was confirmed by both a licensed nurse and the Director of Nursing (DON) as a safety concern and contrary to facility policy. The facility's policy requires all drugs and biologicals to be stored in their original packaging and for medication carts to be locked when not in use. Another deficiency was identified regarding the handling of discontinued medications. A prescription drug belonging to a discharged resident, who had a history of acute respiratory failure with hypoxia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was found stored in the medication refrigerator alongside active medications several days after the resident's discharge. The nurse and DON confirmed that discontinued medications should be removed immediately upon discharge and stored separately for disposal. Facility policy also states that discontinued, outdated, or deteriorated drugs must be placed in designated bins for destruction, which was not followed in this instance.