Improper Storage and Disposal of Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to comply with regulations regarding the storage of controlled substances and the disposal of outdated medications. In one of the medication rooms, a bottle of liquid Lorazepam, a controlled antianxiety medication, was found on the top shelf of the refrigerator without being stored in a separate locked, permanently affixed container. This was confirmed by an LPN during an observation, acknowledging that the medication should have been secured in accordance with the facility's policy. Additionally, in another medication room, an open vial of Lispro Insulin was found in the refrigerator with an expiration date that had already passed. An LPN confirmed that the expired insulin vial should have been discarded as per the manufacturer's guidelines and facility policy, which require opened vials to be used or discarded within 28 days. These findings indicate a failure in the facility's management and pharmacy services to ensure proper medication storage and disposal.
Plan Of Correction
The medication Lispro was found to be expired and the nurse discarded it appropriately. All refrigerated controlled drugs will be stored inside a lockbox permanently affixed to a locked refrigerator unit. Lock boxes have been permanently affixed inside all locked refrigerator units that will house controlled substances needing refrigeration. An audit will be performed on all units for any expired medication in the facility to be discarded appropriately. The Director of Nursing will educate the nursing staff on ensuring all controlled drugs will be locked in the permanently affixed lockbox inside refrigerators and ensure medications are disposed of upon expiration timely and properly. Maintenance will add to the monthly Planned Maintenance schedule to ensure the box is secure. The Director of Nursing/Designee will audit medication expiration dates and controlled substances inside lock boxes once daily for five (5) days times two (2) weeks, once weekly times two (2) weeks, and once monthly times two (2) months but ongoing after to ensure resident safety and compliance. Results of the audit will be brought to Monthly Quality Assurance meetings.