Failure to Store Medications According to Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage of medications for two residents. For one resident with paraplegia, schizophrenia, depression, encephalopathy, and hypotension, surveyors observed a medicine cup containing two tablets left on the bedside table. There was no physician order, assessment, or care plan documentation supporting the resident's ability to keep medications at the bedside. The facility's policy required drugs to be stored in their original packaging or dispensing system, which was not followed in this instance. For another resident with encephalopathy, COPD, diabetes mellitus, and psychosis, an unopened insulin flexpen labeled for the resident was found in the top drawer of the medication cart, despite a pharmacy label indicating it should be refrigerated until opened. An LPN confirmed the insulin flexpen was not refrigerated. Facility policy required medications needing refrigeration to be stored in a refrigerator located in a secure area, which was not adhered to in this case.