Improper Storage of Refrigerated Medications Due to Elevated Refrigerator Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly store medications requiring refrigeration on one of its nursing units. Facility policy required that refrigerated medications be kept in a medication refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F, and that these medications be stored separately from food and labeled accordingly. On multiple occasions during the survey, the temperature of the Second Floor medication refrigerator was observed to be significantly above the acceptable range, with readings between 54°F and 60°F. Two opened medications, Cefepime and Konvomep, which require refrigeration per manufacturer guidelines, were stored in this refrigerator during these observations. The Administrator and Maintenance Director confirmed the elevated temperatures and the presence of these medications in the improperly cooled refrigerator.