Unsecured Medications and Medicated Products Found at Bedside
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored in locked compartments and only accessible to authorized personnel, as required by professional standards and facility policy. During observations and interviews, it was found that three residents had medications or medicated products at their bedsides, despite not being authorized for self-administration. Specifically, one resident had two medication cups containing cough syrup at her bedside for three days, and two other residents each had a jar of medicated mentholated ointment on their bedside tables, which they reported using on their feet. Record reviews confirmed that all three residents were cognitively intact and received their medications from nursing staff, with no authorization for self-administration. Interviews with staff, including medication aides, LVNs, and the DON, consistently indicated that medications were not to be left at the bedside for any resident, as this could allow access by other residents or result in improper use. The facility's own policy required all drugs and biologicals to be stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel. The observations and interviews demonstrated that the facility did not follow its own medication storage policy, resulting in medications and medicated products being left unsecured at residents' bedsides. This practice was identified for three residents during the survey and was acknowledged by staff as not being in accordance with facility procedures.