Failure to Label Open Date on Latanoprost Eye Drops
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all drugs and biologicals, specifically Latanoprost eye drops, were labeled with the date they were opened on at least one medication cart. During observation, it was found that the Latanoprost 0.005% eye drops for a female resident with a diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma and diabetes were not labeled with an open date. The medication administration record and care plan confirmed the ongoing use of these eye drops for the resident. Multiple staff interviews, including with medication aides, the DON, ADON, and the facility pharmacist, confirmed that eye drops should be dated when opened to ensure proper disposal within the recommended timeframe. Staff and pharmacy audits of medication carts were reported to occur weekly and monthly, respectively, but the lack of an open date on the Latanoprost eye drops was not identified or corrected prior to the survey. The facility's policy required medications to be stored properly and outdated or deteriorated medications to be removed immediately, but this policy was not followed in this instance, resulting in the deficiency.