Perpetual Help Assisted Living

Based on observation, documentation review, and interview, the manager failed to ensure medications stored by the facility were stored in a separate locked room, closed, or self-contained unit. The deficient practice posed a risk to residents who could access the medication. Findings include: 1. During an environmental inspection of the facility, the Compliance Officer observed a kitchen refrigerator where an unlocked medication storage container held the following medications: Lorazepam, Acetaminophen, Bisacodyl Suppository, Promethazine, and one insulin pen. 2. A review of facility documentation revealed a policy titled, "Medication Policies & Procedures." The policy stated, "Medications are stored in a locked, secured area when not in use. Those requiring refrigeration are stored in a separate locked area in the refrigerator..." 3. In an interview, E1 and O1 acknowledged the aforementioned medications were stored in an unlocked manner, and accessible to residents.

Based on documentation review, observation, and interview, the manager failed to ensure that policies and procedures are implemented for discarding medication including expired medication. The deficient practice posed a risk as the standards expected of employees were not followed. Findings include: 1. Review of the facility's policies and procedures revealed a policy titled "Medications." This policy stated "...6. Discarding Medication...will be performed according to Arizona's Department of Environmental Quality brochure...written proof of discarding of all medications will be documented using the Medication Disposal Record form." 2. During an environmental inspection of the facility, the Compliance Officer observed a large plastic container in an unlocked hall closet located next to a resident's bedroom that was labeled "cleaning supplies." However upon opening the storage container, the Compliance Officer observed unopened medication packs from residents who no longer reside at the facility. 3. In an interview, E1 and O1 reported the residents had discharged and are no longer residing at the facility. E1 and O1 acknowledged the medications were not discarded per the policy and procedure

Based on observation and interview, the manager failed to ensure hazardous materials stored by the assisted living facility were stored in a locked area inaccessible to residents. Findings include: 1. During an environmental inspection of the facility, the Compliance Officer observed a biohazard sharps container in an unlocked hall closet located next to a resident's bedroom. The inside of the container contained discarded needles. 2. In an interview, E1 acknowledged a biohazard sharps container was not stored in a locked area inaccessible to residents.