HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations and staff interviews (EMP), it was determined the facility failed to ensure the provision of care in a safe setting by ensuring the hospital staff maintained disposable syringes and needles in hospital approved locations which provide adequate security and restrict access to only authorized personnel in three of seven rooms toured (MR1, MR5 and MR6).

Findings include:

1. Tour of the fourth floor on January 19, 2012, from approximately 9:30 - 10:00 AM revealed three patient rooms with needles and/or syringes located at the bedside. In the room from which MR1 was recently discharged an intravenous (IV) start kit containing an IV catheter was observed on the bedside stand. Tour also revealed a butterfly needle located at the bedside in the room of MR5. An observation of the room for MR6 revealed an unlabeled 10 cc syringe containing approximately 3 cc of clear liquid on the bedside stand. In the bathroom next to the sink there was another unlabeled 10 cc syringe containing approximately 10 cc of clear liquid. At the time of the observation, EMP4 was not able to identify what was in the syringes. On January 19, 2012, at approximately 10:00 AM EMP4 disposed of all items, confirming that they should not be left at the bedside.

2. Upon request, the facility was unable to provide a policy for the storage of disposable syringes and needles. Information received from EMP1 on February 2, 2012, at approximately 10:08 AM, revealed "...Currently we do not have a policy that addresses the storage of sharps."

Based on review of facility documents, observation and staff interview (EMP), it was determined the facility failed to ensure implementation of policy related to administration and security of medications for four of seven medical records (MR1, MR4, MR5 and MR7).

Findings include:

Review of "Administration of Medications Policy H-MM-50-001" revised June 2011 revealed, "... Administration of Oral Medications A. When giving oral medications, remain with the patient until it is swallowed. If the medication must be given over a period of time, remain with the patient to verify that the medication has been taken. Do not leave medication at the bedside."

1) Tour of the fourth floor on January 19, 2012, at approximately 9:30 AM revealed three patient rooms with medication at the bedside. In the room for MR1, two liquid Tylenol containers were observed at the bedside. In the room for MR4, prescription eye drops were found at the bedside. In the room for MR5, prescription eye drops were found on the bedside stand.

2) On January 19, 2012, at approximately 10:00 AM EMP4 confirmed the above findings and indicated that medications should not be left at the bedside.

3) On January 19, 2012, at approximately 10:00 AM a review of facility documents revealed on December 19, 2011, medication was found at the bedside of MR7.

4) On January 19, 2012, at approximately 10:30 AM EMP1 confirmed that the above condition was found and, "Staff was counseled at that time. The medication shouldn't have been left in the room."