Failure to Label and Discard Insulin per Policy and Manufacturer Guidelines
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure proper labeling and timely disposal of insulin medications on one of three medication carts reviewed. During an inspection of the ACU Medcart with an LPN, several insulin products were found to be either undated, unlabeled, or not discarded after expiration. Specifically, a Lantus vial for a resident was opened and dated, but not discarded after the 28-day expiration period. Additionally, a Humalog vial and a Dulaglutide pen-injector for two other residents were found opened but undated, and an Insulin NPH pen-injector was opened and unlabeled. The LPN confirmed that insulin should be labeled with the date opened and discarded after 30 days, and that these items did not meet those requirements. Manufacturer recommendations for both Lantus and Humalog indicate that opened vials should be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 28 days. The facility's own policy requires insulin pens to be clearly labeled with specific information, including the date dispensed and expiration date, and mandates disposal after 28 days or per manufacturer guidelines. The observed deficiencies were in direct violation of both manufacturer instructions and facility policy, as insulin products were not properly labeled or discarded in a timely manner.