Unattended Unlocked Treatment Cart Containing Medications and Supplies
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a registered nurse (RN) left a treatment cart unlocked and unattended while providing wound care to residents. The cart, which contained wound care supplies, ointments, creams, dressings, and a pair of scissors, was observed to be out of the RN's sight and not secured. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) later noticed the cart and locked it. Both the ADON and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that facility policy requires treatment carts to be locked when not in use, and that staff are trained on this requirement to prevent unauthorized access and potential drug diversion. Interviews with the RN, ADON, and DON confirmed awareness of the policy and the expectation that carts remain locked when unattended. The RN acknowledged forgetting to lock the cart while providing care. Review of the facility's medication storage policy further confirmed that all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, with access limited to authorized personnel.