Medication Storage and Labeling Deficiencies Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in medication storage and labeling across several medication carts and storage rooms. On the 400-hall medication cart, an unopened bottle of Latanoprost ophthalmic drops was not refrigerated as required by manufacturer guidelines, and two Fluticasone propionate salmeterol inhalers were found—one without an opened date and another with an opened date exceeding the recommended one-month use period. Additionally, expired Hemorrhoidal suppositories were present. Nursing staff interviewed acknowledged responsibility for checking for expired medications and proper labeling but admitted these tasks had not been completed due to workload or lack of awareness regarding specific storage requirements. On the 800-hall medication cart, an opened bottle of Latanoprost ophthalmic drops lacked an opened date, and a bottle of Lansoprazole suspension was present with a use-by date that had passed, contrary to manufacturer instructions for refrigeration and timely disposal. In the 300-hall and 400-hall medication storage rooms, expired wound cleansers and Lansoprazole suspension were found. Staff interviews revealed confusion and oversight regarding responsibility for checking both prescription and over-the-counter medications, with multiple staff members indicating that expired medications had not been identified or removed as required.