F0761

E

Improper Storage and Handling of Medications and Medical Supplies

Albuquerque, New Mexico Survey Completed on 01-28-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified a deficiency related to improper storage and handling of medications and medical supplies. During an observation of the south station at 8:06 a.m., a treatment cart containing prescription topical ointments, powders, and wound cleaning supplies was found unlocked and unattended. In a subsequent interview, the DON confirmed that the cart had been left unlocked and unattended and stated that all treatment carts were expected to be locked, which did not occur.

Additional observations showed that the north station treatment cart contained two opened suture removal kits in the top drawer, and an LPN confirmed that the kits were open and should have been discarded appropriately, which had not happened. Surveyors also found an insulin pen with a past discard date in the south front medication cart, and another LPN confirmed that the insulin pen was expired and should have been discarded appropriately, which also had not occurred. These findings demonstrate failures to properly secure treatment carts, prevent use of opened medical supplies, and remove expired insulin from active medication storage.