Improper Storage of Insulin Pens in Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store medications in a safe and sanitary manner, specifically concerning the storage of insulin pens in medication carts. During observations, it was noted that insulin pens were stored unbagged in three of the four medication carts reviewed, which included the Three South front cart, Three East front cart, and Two East back cart. This practice posed a risk of cross-contamination. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) responsible for these carts confirmed the insulin pens were not bagged and expressed unawareness of the reason for storing them in bags. The Director of Nursing confirmed the facility's failure to prevent the risk of cross-contamination by not storing insulin pens in bags. The facility's policies on Infection Prevention Control Program Core Practices and Medication Storage, both reviewed on March 4, 2025, indicated the need for maintaining medication storage in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner. However, the observations and interviews revealed a lack of adherence to these policies, leading to the identified deficiency.