Improper Storage and Disposal of Medications in Unsecured Area
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors determined that the facility failed to ensure medications were properly stored and/or disposed of on the Hickory nursing unit. The facility’s policy dated 3/26/25 required that drugs and biologicals be stored in locked compartments under proper environmental controls, with access limited to authorized personnel. During an observation of the Hickory unit medication room on 1/21/26 at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Director of Nursing and the Nurse Manager (RN Employee E1) accompanied surveyors and observed multiple medications stored in an unsecured drawer within an unsecured office, contrary to the policy and regulatory requirements. The unsecured drawer contained medications for both current and discharged residents, including discontinued medications. Items observed included diclofenac gel and Vitamin D3 tablets for a current resident whose medications had been discontinued, as well as various vitamins, gastrointestinal medications (pantoprazole, omeprazole, senna), topical agents (hydrocortisone cream, Silvadene, Aquaphor, Medihoney), lidocaine patches, Tylenol tablets, Cepacol lozenges, and Vitamin D2 tablets for multiple residents who had been discharged on various prior dates. During an interview later that day at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Nursing Home Administrator and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility failed to ensure that medications were properly stored and/or disposed of.
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