Improper Refrigeration of Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that refrigerated medications and biologicals, including various types of insulin and Afluria Quadrivalent (flu vaccine), were stored in a medication storage room refrigerator at a temperature of 28°F. This temperature was confirmed by the DON and was within the freezing range, which is outside the required storage range of 36°F to 46°F as specified by both the facility's policy and the manufacturers' labeling. The DON acknowledged the improper storage temperature during the inspection. A review of facility policy indicated that medications requiring refrigeration must be kept between 36°F and 46°F, with temperature monitoring in place. Additionally, manufacturer instructions for both insulin and the flu vaccine specifically state not to freeze these products and to discard them if frozen. The facility's policy also requires monthly monitoring of medication storage conditions and corrective action if problems are identified. The improper storage of these medications was directly observed and confirmed during the survey.