Failure to Properly Store and Label Medications on Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to properly store and label medications on all four medication carts reviewed. Facility policy and manufacturer guidelines require that multi-dose vials and insulin pens be dated when opened and discarded within 28 days, unless otherwise specified. During observations, multiple insulin pens and vials, including Lantus, Lispro, Novolog, Insulin Aspart, and Insulin Gargline, were found opened and undated across the 7th and 8th floor medication carts. Additionally, a Lidocaine vial was found opened and undated, and a medication cup containing 16 unidentified white tablets was discovered in one cart. Licensed nurses present during the observations confirmed that these medications should have been dated upon opening and were unable to identify the loose tablets. The findings were discussed with the Nursing Home Administrator, and it was confirmed that the facility did not maintain correct storage and labeling practices for medications and biologicals as required by policy and regulation. The report does not mention any specific residents affected or their medical conditions at the time of the deficiency.