Failure to Secure and Properly Store Medications
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that medications and biologicals were not properly stored and secured for two residents. One resident had a tube of discontinued zinc oxide paste skin cream on the bedside table, which had been brought from the hospital and remained in the room after discontinuation. Another resident had a tube of Betamethasone Valerate cream on the windowsill, and the resident was unsure if the medication belonged to them. Review of the electronic health record confirmed that the zinc oxide was discontinued and the Betamethasone Valerate cream was an active prescription for dermatitis. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and nursing staff confirmed that there were no residents authorized for self-administration of medication (SAM) at the time of the survey. Staff reported that any medications found in resident rooms should be returned to the pharmacy and that they follow procedures for reporting and securing misplaced medications. The facility policy also discourages residents and visitors from bringing medications into the facility. Additional observations revealed unsecured medications at the 200 hall nurses' station. Prescription medications and an unlocked treatment cart containing prescription drugs were left unattended and out of staff sight, with residents nearby. Facility policies require that medications be stored securely, with medication carts locked when not in use and medications accessible only to authorized personnel. These policies were not followed, resulting in medications being left unsecured in resident areas and at the nurses' station.