Medication Room Left Unlocked, Allowing Unauthorized Access
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a medication room door was found slightly ajar and unlocked at 11:21 AM, allowing a surveyor to enter without a key. No employees were present in the medication room at the time. The surveyor remained at the entrance until the Administrator (ADM) was informed of the situation at 11:50 AM. The ADM confirmed that the medication room door was supposed to be closed and locked when unoccupied to prevent unauthorized access to medications. The ADM also stated that three staff members—an LVN, a CMA, and an RN—had keys to the medication room and had been working that day. Interviews with the RN, CMA, and LVN revealed that each had last accessed the medication room earlier that morning and each stated they had closed and locked the door upon leaving. The Director of Nursing (DON) also confirmed that the medication room should always be locked when not in use and described routinely checking the door to ensure it was secure. A review of the facility's policy indicated that medication storage areas, including rooms, must be lockable. The failure to keep the medication room locked was directly observed and confirmed through staff interviews and policy review.