Complaint Investigation Report

LPA also inspected the locked closet which stores back stock pantry items, hygiene supplies, and other miscellaneous items. LPA observed a plastic bag which contained 22 expired medications. Admin indicated not knowing the medications were there and would be destroyed. LPA verified that medications were documented on the Centrally Stored Medication and Destruction Record (LIC622) form. Per Title 22 regulation, there is not a specific time frame in which medications are destroyed but indicates that medications are destroyed by the facility "upon termination of services or which are not to be retained." Based on three of three staff interviews, none of the staff were aware that the to-be-discarded medications were safeguarded on site. Although expired medications were unknowingly safeguarded on site, such medications were separated and stored in a separate area way from the current routine/PRN medications for one client, and therefore did not pose a risk to the clients in care.

Therefore, based on the observations made, interviews which were conducted and the records that were reviewed, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the following allegation: Staff are not disposing or destroying prescription medications from terminated clients is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED.

An exit interview was conducted with Administrator Laura Palomino, and a copy of this report was provided at exit.