Deficient Medication Labeling and Storage Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were labeled and stored according to professional standards in all medication rooms and carts reviewed. Specifically, expired medications were found in medication rooms, including a bottle of sleep aid and melatonin, as well as an open bottle of tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative (PPD). Several medications, such as insulin pens, inhalers, and eye drops, were either missing open or expiration dates, had illegible dates, or had discrepancies between the dates on the box and the bottle. Additionally, an unopened insulin pen was found unrefrigerated in a medication cart, contrary to storage requirements. During interviews, nursing staff were unable to verbalize the correct procedures for labeling and tracking expiration dates for medications with shortened shelf lives after opening. Staff also demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding pharmacy resources for medication expiration information. The Director of Nursing confirmed that all nursing staff were responsible for maintaining medication storage standards and that these requirements were covered during initial and annual competencies. However, the observations indicated that these standards were not consistently followed across the facility.