Medications Improperly Left at Bedside for Residents Not Authorized for Self-Administration
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility's medication management practices, specifically regarding the storage and administration of drugs and biologicals. During multiple observations, medications were found left on the bedside tables of six residents who did not have orders or documented capability for self-administration. These medications included ointments, tablets, inhalers, and controlled substances such as methadone. Nursing staff, including LVNs and RNs, confirmed during interviews that these residents were not capable of self-administering medications and should not have had access to them at their bedside. Record reviews for each resident showed that self-administration assessments had been completed, and all indicated that the residents were not capable of self-administering or securely storing their medications. Despite this, medications were left within reach of the residents, contrary to facility policy and professional standards. Staff interviews consistently acknowledged that medications should not be left at the bedside, and that the observed situations were not in compliance with facility procedures. The facility's policies on drug storage and medication administration require that drugs and biologicals be stored securely and not left at the bedside unless a resident is assessed and authorized for self-administration. The failure to adhere to these policies resulted in medications being accessible to unauthorized individuals, as confirmed by both direct observation and staff interviews.