Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's medication storage and labeling practices. During inspection of a medication cart, a Penicillin G injection labeled for refrigeration was found stored at room temperature, and an opened multi-dose Ventolin HFA inhaler was found without an open date label. The LPN confirmed that inhalers should be dated upon opening to track when they should be discarded. In the medication room refrigerator, several opened insulin vials and pens, including Lantus, Fiasp, Basaglar, and Humalog, were stored in the refrigerator despite pharmacy labels indicating they should be kept at room temperature after opening and discarded 28 days after opening. Additionally, an opened multi-dose Tuberlicin PPD Mantoux injection vial was found in the refrigerator past its expiration date, and the RN acknowledged that expired medications should be discarded. The Director of Nursing confirmed that unopened insulin should be refrigerated, but once opened, it should be labeled with the open and discard dates and stored according to pharmacy recommendations. The facility's policies require medications to be stored at appropriate temperatures and outdated medications to be removed and disposed of immediately. Physician orders for the affected residents included various insulin regimens and inhaler use, all of which require proper storage and labeling to maintain medication efficacy and safety. The failure to follow these procedures led to the deficiencies identified during the survey.