Unattended and Unlocked Medication Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medication carts and a medication room were left unattended, unsupervised, and unlocked on multiple occasions. Specifically, medication carts assigned to LVN L and LVN Q on the 100-hall were found unlocked and unattended, with no nurse present to supervise them. Additionally, the medication room on the 100-200-hall was found with its door propped open by a cardboard box, unsupervised and unlocked, containing various drugs, including narcotics stored in a single locked compartment, as well as alcoholic liquors and wines. Staff interviews confirmed that the carts and medication room were left unsecured while nurses were providing care elsewhere and could not see or supervise the medication storage areas during that time. The facility's policy requires all drugs and biologicals to be stored in locked compartments under proper temperature controls, with access limited to authorized personnel. The policy also specifies that medications must be under the direct observation of the person administering them or locked in the storage area or cart during medication passes. Despite this, staff admitted to leaving medication carts and the medication room unlocked and unattended, contrary to facility policy. The Director of Nursing acknowledged receiving reports of these lapses and confirmed that all medications should be secured and locked when not in direct attendance.