Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified two deficiencies related to medication storage and labeling. On the 300/400 hall medication cart, a loose, unlabeled pill was found in the bottom of a drawer during an observation. Interviews with nursing staff and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the presence of an unlabeled pill meant staff could not identify the medication or determine for which resident it was prescribed. The DON and Administrator both stated their expectations that all medications should be accurately labeled, properly contained, and that there should be no loose pills in the carts. Additionally, the 500/600 hall medication cart was observed to be left unlocked and unattended. Staff interviews confirmed that the cart was assigned to two nurses and that it should never be left unlocked and unattended, as unauthorized individuals, including residents who wander, could access the medications. The DON reiterated that medication carts should always be locked when unattended to prevent unauthorized access. Facility policy also requires that medications and biologicals be stored securely and that medication carts be locked or attended by authorized personnel.