Medication Cart Left Unlocked and Unattended
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a medication cart located on the 400 hall was observed to be unlocked and unattended, with no staff in view. The cart was parked at the nursing station with its drawers facing the hallway and exit doors. This observation was made at 6:45 AM, and it was later noted that a nurse returned to the cart and accessed it. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the medication cart should be locked when not in use or when not in direct view of authorized personnel. Record review of the facility's medication storage policy indicated that medications and biologicals are to be stored securely and are accessible only to authorized staff. The policy also requires that medication carts be locked when unattended. Staff members, including an LVN, RN, MA, and the DON, all acknowledged during interviews that the cart should be locked to prevent unauthorized access, in accordance with facility policy.