Improper Storage and Disposal of Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and disposal of medications and biologicals, as evidenced by observations and staff interviews. During an inspection of the unused dining room on the first floor, expired items were found, including a box of Midline blood glucose test strips and an adult manual resuscitator, both past their expiration dates. The Unit Manager confirmed these findings, indicating a lapse in adherence to the facility's policy on medication storage and disposal. Further inspection of the ground floor clean utility room revealed additional deficiencies. The room, which had a keypad lock, was found with the door open, and an unlocked treatment cart inside contained open tubes of medical honey ointment without proper labeling or individual packaging. Additionally, expired wound dressing packages were discovered. These observations were confirmed by an LPN and later acknowledged by the Director of Nursing, highlighting the facility's failure to maintain proper storage and disposal practices for medications and biologicals.
Plan Of Correction
Immediate Intervention: Treatment cart was used for education and stored on units in common areas. The treatment cart was discarded, and its contents were destroyed. How to identify residents who can be affected: No further residents can be affected because the cart was removed, and contents were destroyed. Prevention of further occurrence: Facility assessment to determine if there are any other carts that need labeled or disposed. Corrective Action to be monitored: DON or designee to do weekly checks around the facility for carts and its contents being labeled, dated, and locked appropriately for one month and monthly for three months. QA Program: Performance Improvement plan added to monthly QAPI meetings to evaluate employee education progress.