Failure to Properly Label and Discard Expired Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly label and discard expired drugs and biologicals in accordance with accepted professional principles. During observations, it was noted that several medication carts and a medication room contained items that were either expired or lacked proper labeling. Specifically, a dorzolamide eye drop vial was found without a resident identifier or date opened, glucose strips were not dated when opened, and insulin aspart vials were expired. Additionally, a Basalgar insulin pen, Trelegy inhalers, and an Arnuity inhaler were not dated when opened, and some lacked resident identifiers. Further observations revealed that a tuberculin vial in a medication room was open but not dated, and Latanoprost eye drops and Prednisone Acetate bottles were found without identifying labels or open dates. The Director of Nursing confirmed that expired medications should be discarded and that medications requiring them should have a date opened and an identifier. The facility's Prescription Dating/Storage Guidelines and manufacturer's information were reviewed, highlighting the specific storage and expiration requirements for these medications.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1: It is the practice of the facility to ensure proper labeling of drugs and biologicals. The glucose strips, insulins, and inhalers that were not dated and that did not have patient identifiers on them were removed from the med carts and discarded. Element 2: Residents who have eye drops, insulins, and inhalers have the potential to be affected by this cited practice. Those residents' inhalers, insulins, and eye drops—the medication carts were checked for proper label and dating. No other issues were found. Element 3: The Interdisciplinary Team reviewed the policy and procedure titled: Storage and Expiration Dating of Medications/Biologicals, and deemed it appropriate. The nurses and Nurse Managers were inserviced on the proper labeling and dating of medications and biologicals. Element 4: U.M./or designee will audit all medication carts weekly for 4 weeks to ensure eye drops, inhalers, and insulins are properly labeled and dated as needed, then monthly for 3 months. Results of audits will be taken through QA for further review and recommendations. The Administrator will be responsible for sustaining compliance.