Unsecured Treatment Carts with Medications and Supplies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that treatment carts containing medications and medical supplies, including insulin, needles, glucometers, IV supplies, syringes, anticoagulant, and antibiotic medications, were left unlocked and unattended in two separate hallways. On one occasion, a staff member noticed the unlocked cart and secured it, although she was not responsible for it. The charge nurse responsible for the cart stated she typically locked it but was unsure why it was left unlocked in this instance. In both cases, staff confirmed that the expectation was for treatment carts to be locked at all times when unattended. These observations were made during random checks, and in both instances, staff and residents were seen walking by the unsecured carts. The unlocked carts contained medications and supplies that should have been secured according to facility policy and professional standards. No specific residents were identified as being directly involved or affected at the time of the observations.