Medications and Biologicals Not Securely Stored in Utility Rooms
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were stored securely in accordance with professional standards. Specifically, the clean utility supply rooms on both the 200 and 300 halls, which contained over-the-counter medications and biologicals such as vitamin A&D ointment, saline enemas, iodoform packing strips, hydrogel wound dressing, calcium alginate dressings, Silvasorb, and COVID-19 test kits, were found to be unlocked and accessible. The 300 hall clean utility room was observed to be unlocked and accessible at 11:08 AM, and the 200 hall clean utility room was also found to be freely accessible without a lock or keypad. During interviews, a nurse confirmed that the clean utility rooms did not remain locked and demonstrated that the 200 hall room could be opened without restriction. A handwritten sign on the 300 hall room door instructed staff to see the nurse for the key, but the room remained accessible. The Director of Nursing was informed of these observations and acknowledged the deficiency. No information was provided regarding any residents' medical history or condition at the time of the deficiency.