Expired Syringes Not Discarded per Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly discard expired syringes stored in the medication storage room, as observed during a survey. A sealed zip lock bag containing syringes with an expired date was found, and the Registered Nurse Supervisor (RNS) confirmed the syringes were expired. The facility's policy requires contacting the dispensing pharmacy for instructions regarding the return or destruction of outdated or deteriorated medications or biologicals, but this procedure was not followed in this instance. The RNS admitted she had not contacted the pharmacy about the expired syringes. Further interviews revealed inconsistencies in staff accounts regarding the handling of the expired syringes. The Director of Nursing (DON) took possession of the bag, partially opened it, and removed the label, later contacting the pharmacy for clarification using the lot number. However, the pharmacy's Director of Clinical Services stated that only a lot number was provided and that she was still awaiting a response from the manufacturer regarding the expiration status. The failure to promptly and properly address the expired syringes was confirmed through staff interviews and direct observation.