Unlabeled Medications Left in Medication Cart Drawer
Penalty
Summary
A medication aide was observed storing an unlabeled cup containing multiple medications in the top drawer of a medication cart. The aide had prepared the medications for a resident but, upon realizing the resident was in the shower, placed the cup in the cart drawer with the intention of administering them later. The medications included a vitamin supplement, seizure medication, antidepressant, constipation medication, and a central nervous system stimulant. The cup was not labeled, and the medications were not secured according to facility policy or professional standards. During an interview, the medication aide admitted to not knowing the proper procedure for handling medications that could not be immediately administered, but acknowledged that medications should not have been left in the drawer. The administrator confirmed that the facility's process required medications to be properly labeled and not left out, and that periodic audits and staff education were in place regarding medication storage. The aide involved was new to the facility.