Improper Storage and Failure to Discard Expired Medications
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to properly remove and discard expired or improperly stored medications, including insulin and Procrit, in accordance with manufacturer requirements and facility policies. Specifically, an opened insulin Aspart Flexpen for one resident was found stored in the refrigerator with a label indicating it had expired after 28 days, but it was not removed from use. Another instance involved an opened Humulin R insulin vial for a different resident, which was stored in the refrigerator without a label indicating when it was first opened, contrary to manufacturer instructions that require room temperature storage and use within 31 days of opening. Additionally, a single-dose vial of Procrit for another resident was found in the refrigerator with unused medication remaining, despite manufacturer and facility policy requiring immediate disposal after initial use. Interviews with nursing staff and the Director of Nursing confirmed that these medications were not handled according to policy, with staff acknowledging that expired or unlabeled medications should have been removed and disposed of to prevent accidental administration. Facility policy reviews corroborated the requirement for medications to be labeled with open dates, stored according to manufacturer guidelines, and discarded after specified periods or after single use. The observed deficiencies were limited to the improper storage, labeling, and failure to discard expired or used medications, as directly evidenced by the surveyor's findings and staff interviews.