Failure to Secure Medications and Biologicals in Locked Storage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store all drugs and biologicals in locked compartments and did not ensure that only authorized personnel had access to the keys, as required by policy and professional standards. During observations and interviews, it was found that three residents had medications and biologicals at their bedsides, including pain relief creams, eye drops, ointments, anti-itch creams, antifungal creams, simethicone capsules, and skin protectants. Staff interviews confirmed that residents were not permitted to keep medications in their rooms and that all medications should be stored on the medication cart, at the nursing station, or in the medication room. However, these procedures were not followed, as evidenced by the presence of various medications and biologicals in the residents' rooms. The residents involved had significant medical histories, including dementia, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain syndrome, and cancer. At the time of the deficiency, one resident was observed using a pain relief cream at her bedside, while another was unaware of the medications and creams present in her room. Staff, including LVNs and the DON, acknowledged during interviews that medications should not be accessible to residents in their rooms and that such access could lead to misuse. The facility's written policy also required all drugs and biologicals to be stored in locked compartments under proper temperature controls, which was not adhered to in these instances.