Improper Storage of Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to properly store medical supplies and biologicals in both a medication cart and a medication room on the 4th floor. During observations, the 4th floor North medication cart was found to contain a tube of zinc oxide, a box of lidocaine patches, a tube of skin protectant, and a 60 cc flush piston with an expired date. In the 4th floor medication room, there were four opened wound vac kits, a box of opened gloves, an air compressor, a bag of depends, and a bag containing a can of coffee stored under the sink. The medication room refrigerator contained bags of vancomycin labeled with specific 'do not use beyond' dates, a tubersol vial that was opened but not dated, and insulin pens (Novolog and Lantus) that were not stored in bags. Staff interviews confirmed these findings, with both an LPN and the Director of Nursing acknowledging the improper storage of medical supplies and biologicals. Facility policies require that all drugs and biologicals be stored in a safe, secure, and orderly manner, and that multi-dose containers be dated when opened. The observed deficiencies were in direct violation of these policies and relevant state codes regarding nursing and pharmacy services, as well as resident care policies.