Failure to Secure and Dispose of Topical Medications at Bedside
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that drugs and biologicals were stored in locked compartments and only accessed by authorized personnel, as required. During observations, two residents were found to have clear measuring cups containing ointments left exposed and within reach at their bedsides. One resident had a cup with zinc oxide pomade and a tongue depressor, while another had a cup with an unknown pink ointment. Both items were accessible to other residents and had not been properly disposed of after use. Record reviews indicated that both residents had medical conditions requiring topical treatments, such as pressure ulcers and skin breakdown, with physician orders for the application of barrier creams. Interviews with staff, including CNAs, LVNs, RNs, and the DON, confirmed that the standard procedure was to apply the medication and immediately dispose of any remaining product. Staff acknowledged that leaving ointments at the bedside was not in accordance with facility protocols and could result in contamination or misuse. Further interviews revealed that staff could not recall recent training on medication storage and supervision, and the facility lacked a policy outlining procedures for supervising medications and disposing of them after administration. The failure to properly store and dispose of medications resulted in medications being left unattended and accessible at residents' bedsides.