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3301 MATLOCK ROAD

ARLINGTON, TX 76015

SECURE STORAGE

Tag No.: A0502

Based on document review and interview the hospital failed to follow their policy to secure 1 of 3 (patient #3) patient's home medication as evident of home medications were found in patient #3's room over 24 hours after admission. These medications included narcotics, chemotherapy, and antipsychotic drugs, raising concerns about potential drug tampering and diversion.

Patient #3, a 74-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of cancer who was admitted on August 8, 2024, at 12:05 pm after experiencing a ground-level fall, resulting in a right arm fracture.

Finding included:

Record review of patient #3's Clinical Documentation Record HPF dated 08/09/2024 at 9:42 pm reflected "patient medications were found in patient's room, including two controlled substances. Family agreed to store medication in the security office. Controlled substances counted with [2 staff] in front of family. All medications taken to the security office for storage ..."

Record review of patient #3's Medication Inventory - Patient's Own Medications form dated 08/10/2024 reflected patient's medications included: hydromorphone (narcotic); morphine sulfate (narcotic); lenalidomide (chemotherapy); chlorpromazine (antipsychotic) ... Patient #3 and staff #D signed the form. Security staff signed receipt of medication on 08/10/2024 at 3:14 am.

During an interview with staff #E on 09/24/2024 at 10:30 am revealed the policy for when patient/family brings in medications from home, the staff will request for medications be taken home or secured in the security office. Some home medication may be used during admission, these medications are sent to the pharmacy to be relabeled for inpatient use.

During an interview with staff #B on 9/24/2024 at 10:37 am revealed the staff is expected to complete reconciliation of home medication and medications should be sent home or secured. Staff #B confirmed that patient #3's home medication was found in the patient's room and not secured; these medications included controlled substances.

Review of facility's policy RX623 Patient's Own Medication (Inpatient Home Medication Brought to the Hospital) revised 04/2024, reflected patient's own medication must be secured and stored for safekeeping with Security.