Loose Medication Pills Found in Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that two out of three medication carts contained loose medication pills that were not stored in their original packaging or containers. Specifically, the medication aide cart for station 2 had four loose pills in one of its drawers, and the medication aide cart for station 1 had one loose pill in a drawer. These findings were confirmed by interviews with the respective LVNs responsible for each cart, who acknowledged the presence of the loose pills. Further interviews with the ADON and the Administrator revealed that medication carts are expected to be checked daily by medication aides and nurses, with additional weekly checks by pharmacy staff. Facility policy requires that drugs and biologicals be stored in the packaging or containers in which they are received, and that nursing staff are responsible for maintaining proper medication storage. The presence of loose pills in the medication carts was not in accordance with these requirements.