Medication Cart Left Unlocked and Unattended in Hallway
Penalty
Summary
A medication cart assigned to a nurse (LVN A) was observed on two occasions to be left unlocked and unattended in a hallway, with the drawers facing the hallway and accessible to staff, the public, and residents passing by. During these times, LVN A was inside a resident's room with the door shut and could not see the cart. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator witnessed the unlocked cart and confirmed that LVN A was responsible for it. Upon being questioned, LVN A acknowledged leaving the cart unattended and unlocked while providing care in the resident's room. A review of the facility's policy on medication labeling and storage indicated that all medications and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments and only authorized personnel should have access to the keys. The policy also specified that medication carts should not be left unattended if open or otherwise accessible. The observed practice was not in accordance with the facility's policy or accepted professional standards, as the medication cart was left accessible to unauthorized individuals.